based on a survey of university teachers and students in nanjing area of 2007, this article analyzes domestic users' awareness towards open access (oa), and the changes by comparing the corresponding data of 2006. the survey shows that the research evaluation system, the quality of literature and the payment for oa publications are the important factors for university users to choose oa or not. the authors finally suggest that the current research evaluation system should be reformed to accommodate oa journals. meanwhile, great efforts should be devoted to improve the quality of oa literatures, and the governments and research institutions should provide stronger support than before.