In December 2022, in the journal Information Development, an academic researcher survey found, when confronted by a paywall, they try to find an open-access version, then ask colleagues with other credentials, then use shadow libraries.[2] 57% of respondents have used shadow libraries while 36% of respondents were unaware that shadow libraries exist.[2]
In other words, whether you use grassroots, collectivized forms of knowledge centralization (aka “shadow libraries”) in your work depends entirely on whether you are aware they are an option. Those who know, use. Most know.
(That is one of more boring parts of that wikipedia page.)
Bless your soul I did not know these existed
Editing the comment with more tips. Hang on 2 mins.
Knowledge is freedom, my friend. Godspeed.
Wikipedia’s Sci-Hub:
In other words, whether you use grassroots, collectivized forms of knowledge centralization (aka “shadow libraries”) in your work depends entirely on whether you are aware they are an option. Those who know, use. Most know.
(That is one of more boring parts of that wikipedia page.)