Future Knowledge

Jennifer Jenkins, a clinical professor of law and director of Duke's Center for the Study of the Public Domain, dives into the intriguing world of music copyright. She discusses how copyright influences song creation and the streaming economy, highlighting the complexity of licensing and payout structures. Jenkins explains challenges stemming from music's limited vocabulary and the implications of recent landmark cases, like Ed Sheeran's ruling on chord progressions. She also explores the future landscape of music, including AI's role and artist income.

Join U.S. Government Information Librarian James R. Jacobs, his brother James A. Jacobs, a seasoned data services librarian, and Shari Laster, head of Open Collections Curation at ASU, as they delve into the critical importance of preserving government information. They discuss the challenges of safeguarding digital records in a rapidly changing landscape. Highlighting the roles of transparency and accessibility, they emphasize how gaps threaten democracy and propose collaborative solutions to ensure vital public records remain intact for future generations.

Arthur der Weduwen, a historian and postdoctoral fellow at St. Andrew's, joins writer and historian Abby Smith Rumsey to dive into the captivating journey of libraries. They discuss how libraries have evolved from ancient archives to digital platforms and their role in society. The duo explores the paradox of war, revealing how conflict often fuels a revival of reading. They emphasize the enduring value of libraries amid challenges like censorship and digitalization, advocating for the preservation of these cultural beacons for future generations.

Erin Malone, a leading professor in Interaction Design at California College of the Arts and author of 'In Through the Side Door,' joins designer Abby Covert for an enlightening chat. They dive into the overlooked legacy of women pioneers in user experience and interaction design. From the early days of desktop computers to today’s digital era, Malone highlights their crucial but often hidden contributions. The conversation also tackles the ongoing fight for equity in tech and the challenges of documenting these influential narratives.

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

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

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