How GOALI is expanding open access to legal research for global development, which helps build stronger legal institutions and promotes the rule of law worldwide.
Legal research is essential for strengthening justice systems, advancing human rights, and shaping policies that promote sustainable development. However, many legal professionals, academics, and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) struggle to access critical legal literature due to high subscription costs.
The Global Online Access to Legal Information (GOALI) initiative, part of the Research4Life program, addresses this challenge by providing free or low-cost access to legal research and scholarly resources.
By empowering legal professionals with knowledge, GOALI helps build stronger legal institutions and promotes the rule of law worldwide.
How GOALI is Expanding Open Access to Legal Research for Global Development
What is GOALI?
GOALI (Global Online Access to Legal Information) is an open-access initiative launched in 2018 through a partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO), Brill Nijhoff Publishers, the Research4Life programme, and other key partners.
It provides institutions in LMICs with access to legal information covering topics such as international law, human rights, labour law, and governance.
GOALI is one of five Research4Life programs, alongside HINARI (health sciences), AGORA (agriculture), OARE (environmental sciences), and ARDI (technology and innovation).
Together, these initiatives work to bridge the global knowledge gap by making academic and professional literature more accessible to researchers and practitioners in developing nations. We have written in a previous article about how Research4Life promotes access to high quality research for African researchers and others from LMICs.
How GOALI Works
GOALI follows a tiered access model based on a country’s income level. Eligible institutions—such as universities, law schools, research centers, courts, and government agencies—can register for free or low-cost access to a vast collection of legal literature, including books, journals, and databases.
Once registered, users can explore GOALI’s online platform, which integrates with major legal research databases, making it easier to find relevant publications on legal frameworks, case law, and policy development.
Benefits of GOALI
1. Strengthening Legal Education and Research
GOALI provides students, professors, and legal researchers with access to a wealth of scholarly resources, improving the quality of legal education and fostering academic excellence in LMICs.
2. Promoting Justice and the Rule of Law
By offering access to international legal texts and case law, GOALI empowers judges, lawyers, and policymakers to make informed decisions, strengthening legal systems and promoting human rights.
3. Supporting Policy Development and Governance
Governments and policymakers can use GOALI’s resources to draft laws, design fair labor policies, and implement effective governance strategies based on global best practices.
4. Reducing Legal Knowledge Inequality
Legal professionals in LMICs often face barriers to accessing legal research. GOALI bridges this gap by ensuring equitable access to high-quality legal literature, fostering a more inclusive legal community.
Challenges and the Future of GOALI
Despite its impact, GOALI faces challenges such as limited digital access, low awareness among eligible institutions, and restrictions from some publishers. Expanding outreach efforts, improving digital infrastructure, and encouraging broader participation from publishers will be key to maximizing GOALI’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
GOALI is a transformative initiative that empowers legal professionals, educators, and policymakers in LMICs with access to critical legal research.
By promoting open access to legal knowledge, GOALI strengthens justice systems, supports human rights, and enhances governance worldwide.
Institutions eligible for GOALI should take full advantage of this resource to advance legal education, policy-making, and the rule of law.
