Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Taking Control of Our Digital Future

Access to information shouldn't depend on where you live

On January 25, the organization Library Futures was launched. Library Futures is a new nonprofit that champions the right to equitable access to knowledge. Work on creating Library Futures began in mid-2020 and I joined its board in September. Because of our passion for expanding access to knowledge, we have moved quickly and gathered other people and organizations (coalition partners) to work with us. 

Library Futures is focused on six principles:

  • Our World is Digital
  • Protect the Right to Lend
  • Libraries must own content, not license it
  • Equitable access is the future of libraries
  • Privacy is not for sale
  • We are stronger together
You can read more details on those principles on our website.

Jennie Rose Halperin has written an introduction to Library Futures on our blog and the board has also written a post with more information. As we wrote (emphasis added):
 
The work of the Library Futures Institute will also advance a research and programmatic agenda that strengthens the rights of libraries,  including working toward ownership of digital works through the adoption of less restrictive licensing agreements for e-media and e-books. New licenses should allow libraries to own digital works with the same associated rights as print materials. This change would empower, not challenge, the library’s mission to promote access to knowledge, culture, and literature. 
 
If you are interested in knowing more, you can sign-up on our homepage to receive information from us. You can also follow Library Futures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
 

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