Evaluating ONOS as a complementary literature retrieval platform using neonatal sepsis mortality as a test case

Abstract The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative was launched in India to improve institutional access to subscription-based scientific literature. This methodological study compared the retrieval performance of ONOS with PubMed using neonatal sepsis mortality literature from India as a test case. Identical search terms were applied across both platforms for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Retrieval performance was evaluated using precision, recall, F-measure, number needed to screen (NNS), and relative retrieval efficiency (RRE). PubMed retrieved 751 records and ONOS 39, with minimal overlap between platforms. ONOS demonstrated higher precision (15.4% vs. 9.1%) and lower screening burden, whereas PubMed showed substantially higher recall (91.9% vs. 8.1%). ONOS-indexed journals were fewer but more concentrated in Q1 journals. Overall methodological quality of included studies was comparable between platforms. ONOS may serve as a complementary platform for focused rapid retrieval and improved access to biomedical literature in India.