The US library system, once the best in the world, faces death by a thousand cuts

The US library system, once the best in the world, faces death by a thousand cuts

11/13/2023

link

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/09/us-library-system-attack-digital-licensing

summary

This article discusses the potential dangers of digital licensing for libraries in the United States. It highlights the concerns raised by librarians and advocates regarding the increasing reliance on digital content, which is often subject to restrictive licensing agreements. The article raises the issue of how digital licensing can limit access to information, as licenses can be revoked or restricted, leaving libraries and their patrons without access to important resources. It also explores the impact of digital licensing on privacy, as user data and reading habits can be tracked and monitored. The article ultimately argues for the importance of preserving and protecting public libraries as essential institutions for free access to information in the digital age.

tags

library system ꞏ digital licensing ꞏ copyright ꞏ intellectual property ꞏ public libraries ꞏ access to information ꞏ digital rights ꞏ information censorship ꞏ digitalization ꞏ technology impact ꞏ publishing industry ꞏ information management ꞏ online content ꞏ digital archives ꞏ data privacy ꞏ online security ꞏ digital resources ꞏ information sharing ꞏ digital divide ꞏ information sovereignty ꞏ digital preservation ꞏ reading culture ꞏ e-books ꞏ digital libraries ꞏ online access ꞏ information democratization ꞏ freedom of information ꞏ internet regulations ꞏ online censorship ꞏ information literacy ꞏ digital revolution ꞏ online learning