Information Commons - Introduction

Introduction

The concept of the "information commons" refers to the shared knowledge-base and the processes that facilitate or hinder its use. It also refers to a physical space, usually in an academic library, where any and all can participate in the processes of information research, gathering and production. The term commons refers to the land (or common grounds) that villagers shared for grazing purposes in simpler times. The issues that fall under this topic are varied and include:

  • Licenses written to access digital content,
  • Copyright law and similar intellectual property,
  • Freedom of information,
  • International trade, like the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights from the World Trade Organization,
  • Privacy,
  • Open source software,
  • Open access (publishing),
  • Academic Libraries integrated w/ CIT facilities, particularly in the U.S.A., but including:
  • Information Commons, A learning and study space at the University of Sheffield opened April 2007.
  • Business/SPEA Information Commons, Indiana University, created August 2007.
  • Information Commons, Loyola University Chicago,

Some believe that the increasing control and commodification of information restricts humanity ability to encourage and foster positive developments in its cultural, academic, and economic growth.

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