By Mia Hanuska
Have you tried to do literally any research this year? Perhaps you’re in AP U.S. Government with Eric Buran, and you’re looking into one of the debate topics (should the U.S. allow censorship?). Or maybe you’re in AP World History and beginning to write your SHARP. Or you’re in AP English Language and are trying to find good topics for your argumentative essays. No matter what classes you’re in, you’ve likely stumbled, one way or another, onto Google Scholar, the best website ever created.
Google Scholar truly has every research paper you could ever want. Now, this is amazing, right? Unlimited access to all the information your heart could desire? Well, not really. Half (if not more) of the papers are restricted behind crazy expensive paywalls! I’m sorry, $56 for a single day of access to a PDF copy of the research? I’ve seen it up to $128—simply insane.
While I understand some of the money goes back to the authors (although very little, I’ve heard), and some needs to go to those who helped facilitate the research, $56 for 24 hours of access is a little outlandish. You’re telling me, a 17-year-old student, that if I want to know the emotional impact of sexism, I need $39.95? Taylor & Francis Online is the worst offender of this, with a majority—if not all—of their papers behind paywalls. I’m sorry, but I just want reputable information without having to sell my soul!!