Access to databases stopped in Slovakia – how to deal with it Starting from January 1st this year, access to all scientific databases and publications have been stopped for Slovak universities and Slovak Academy of Sciences. The reason is simple, the authorities have not paid the bill even for the access in year 2016. Of course, we can ask friends or authors for sending us requested publications, but this is a step back, and we don’t want to bother other people. 

What could you advise for researchers in Slovakia, what can they do in this situation?
Individual access

This question details a few ways to access scientific publications, without resorting to now-unpaid subscriptions.

Collective access 

Research into ways of influencing your government's decisions that are legal in your country. 


Writing an open letter to a relevant person in your government (that'll likely be your Minister of Education / Minister školstva) and distributing it through Slovak Academy of Science / Slovenská akadémia vied for other scientists to sign could be a good start. 
Depending on what is legal in your country, organizing a protest march / a picket could also be an option. 
You are likely not the only person annoyed by these changes: find others who will be willing to join your cause. 


If there are people high up in the hierarchy of Slovak Academy of Science that sympathize with your cause, they are likely to have some influence on your government.