Future Knowledge

Authors Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen join historian Abby Smith Rumsey to discuss their acclaimed book The Library: A Fragile History—a sweeping exploration of how libraries have been built, destroyed, cherished, and reinvented over the centuries. From ancient archives to modern public libraries, they trace the people, politics, and passions behind the world’s great collections, and reflect on the enduring—and vulnerable—idea of the library itself. This conversation was recorded on 7/20/2022. Watch the full video recording at: https://archive.org/details/the-library-a-fragile-historyCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Erin Malone, author of In Through the Side Door, joins designer and writer Abby Covert for a conversation about the women who helped pioneer user experience and interaction design. From the early days of desktop computing to today’s digital interfaces, Malone traces how women brought insights from design, psychology, and engineering to shape the way we interact with technology—often working behind the scenes, and against the odds. This conversation explores the legacy of these trailblazers and the ongoing push for equity in tech and design.This conversation was recorded on 6/12/2025. Watch the full video recording at: https://archive.org/details/in-through-the-side-doorCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Stephen Wyber, Director for External Affairs at IFLA, and Dave Hansen, Executive Director of Authors Alliance, delve into the pressing issue of digital rights for memory institutions. They discuss the 'Our Future Memory' campaign, highlighting the need for libraries and archives to advocate for legal protections in the digital landscape. The conversation covers the challenges faced by these institutions due to strict copyright laws, the importance of fair access to knowledge, and how community advocacy plays a crucial role in preserving our digital heritage.

Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, and Ian Milligan, a history professor and author, dive into the urgent need for preserving digital content. They discuss the evolution of the internet, from open access to corporate control, and the crucial role of digital librarians in maintaining historical records. The conversation highlights Canada's potential in leading internet preservation and AI development. They also explore decentralized technologies as a means to create a more inclusive digital space, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for marginalized voices.

Cory Doctorow, a science fiction author and activist, dives into his latest work, The Internet Con, advocating for user empowerment against Big Tech's grip. He discusses the toxic cycle of 'inshittification' that erodes platform quality and freedom. Doctorow emphasizes the pressing necessity of antitrust reforms, particularly in light of Google’s reliance on acquisitions. He argues for collective action over individualism to tackle systemic challenges, including monopoly capitalism. It's a call to reshape the digital landscape for all users.

Author John Brackett (Live Dead) is joined by musician and Grateful Dead scholar David Gans to discuss how live recordings—both official and fan-made—shaped the sound, story, and enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. This episode explores what these tapes reveal about audience, authenticity, and the cultural power of the “live” experience.Grab your copy of Live Dead: https://dukeupress.edu/live-dead This conversation was recorded on 5/22/2025. Watch the full video recording at: https://archive.org/details/live-deadCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Historian Peter Baldwin joins copyright scholar Pamela Samuelson to unpack The Copyright Wars—a sweeping look at 300 years of trans-Atlantic copyright battles. From 18th-century publishing monopolies to today’s clashes between Big Tech, libraries, and the entertainment industry, this conversation reveals how history can illuminate the future of intellectual property in a digital world.Grab your copy of The Copyright Wars: https://archive.org/details/thecopyrightwars00baldThis conversation was recorded on 12/15/2022. Watch the full video recording at https://archive.org/details/author-talk-peter-baldwin-the-copyright-warsCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Authors Joshua Levine and Tim Hwang sit down with Lila Bailey to discuss Copyright, AI, and Great Power Competition. Together they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming copyright law—and how global powers are using IP policy as a strategic tool in the race for technological dominance.Grab your copy of Copyright, AI, and Great Power Competition: https://www.thefai.org/posts/copyright-ai-and-great-power-competitionThis conversation was recorded on 3/20/2025. Watch the full video recording at: https://archive.org/details/copyright-ai-and-great-power-competition-book-talkCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Launching in June 2025, Future Knowledge explores the intersection of technology, culture, and information policy with leading authors, scholars, and experts. From copyright and open access to AI and digital preservation, we discuss the big issues shaping knowledge and creativity in the digital age. This podcast is brought to you by the Internet Archive and Authors Alliance.