Ideas Why copyright laws do more harm than good
Jan 12, 2026
Join John Walensky, a retired education professor and founder of the Public Knowledge Project, alongside novelist Taya Lim, as they delve into the complexities of copyright laws. They discuss how these laws, while protecting creators, create barriers to access information. John highlights the struggle of open access in research due to subscription models. Taya argues for viewing art as a communal resource and critiques the impact of AI on creative works. Both express hope for reform that aligns artists with the open-access movement.
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Open Access Gained Consensus
- John Walensky notes that open access is now widely accepted as the best way for research to circulate.
- He warns we still lack a sustainable economic model for universal open access.
Use Subscribe-To-Open And Reform Copyright
- Walensky proposes the 'subscribe to open' model where libraries fund publishers to make journals open if subscriptions renew.
- He urges copyright reform to create licensing for research publications that guarantees open access at fair prices.
From Blocked Libraries To U.S. Access
- Lokesh Vyas describes studying in India where paywalls and limited library budgets blocked access to books and articles.
- He contrasts that with U.S. universities where interlibrary loans and resources eased material access.