The End of Libraries as We Know Them? with Brewster Kahle and Kyle Courtney
Jul 2, 2024
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Digital librarian Brewster Kahle and lawyer Kyle Courtney discuss the lawsuit between megapublishers and the Internet Archive, potential changes to libraries with e-books, information as a public good, and the consequences if publishers win.
Internet Archive facing legal challenges regarding e-books classification
Impact of licensing agreements on library ownership and digital access
Balancing copyright regulations with public access to information is crucial for digital growth
Deep dives
AT&T's Connected Learning Centers Provide Free Internet and Resources for Students
AT&T is establishing connected learning centers to offer students in need access to free high-speed internet, computers, and educational resources, fostering their learning. The initiative reflects AT&T's commitment to supporting student connectivity as a means to facilitate their pursuit of dreams.
Implications of Legal Battles on Library Missions and Digital Access
Ongoing legal disputes regarding controlled digital lending pose a threat to libraries' missions and digital access. Publishers are pushing for licensing agreements, challenging libraries' traditional ownership model and restricting public access to materials. The outcomes of these lawsuits might define the fate of libraries and impact knowledge-sharing in the digital age.
The Shift to Licensing Models Threatens Library Accessibility
A trend toward licensing agreements in the digital landscape undermines public access to information previously owned by libraries. Through licensure, publishers aim to control the dissemination of knowledge, converting libraries from owners to renters of digital content, thus restricting access based on commercial terms.
Rules of Law versus Rules of Contract in Technology Ethics
The debate between rules of law and rules of contract in technology ethics is evident in the AI and digital content arenas. While litigation often prevails in resolving disputes between powerful entities, the balance between regulatory control and commercial interests influences accessibility to information and innovation.
The Intersection of Library Rights, AI Innovation, and Regulatory Challenges
The interplay between library rights, AI innovation, and regulatory challenges underscores the importance of preserving public access to information. Balancing copyright regulations with the needs of researchers, educators, and libraries is crucial for fostering digital growth and knowledge sharing in a fair and equitable manner.
Could the future of libraries as we’ve known them be completely different? Our guests this week say so. Megapublishers are suing the Internet Archive, perhaps best known for its Wayback Machine, to redefine e-books as legally different from paper books. A difference in how they are classified would mean sweeping changes for the way libraries operate. Brewster Kahle is a digital librarian at the Internet Archive. Kyle Courtney is a lawyer, librarian, director of copyright and information policy for Harvard Library. He's the co-founder of Library Futures, which aims to empower the digital future for America's libraries. They join to discuss what’s animating the lawsuit, information as a public good and the consequences should the publishers ultimately prevail.
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