Posts Tagged ‘BookBans’
[DefCon32] A Shadow Librarian: Fighting Back Against Encroaching Capitalism
Daniel Messe, a seasoned librarian, delivers a passionate call to action against the corporatization of public libraries. Facing challenges like book bans, inflated eBook prices, and restricted access to academic research, Daniel shares his journey as a “shadow librarian,” using quasi-legal methods to ensure equitable access to knowledge. His talk inspires attendees to join the fight for open information in an era of digital gatekeeping.
The Plight of Public Libraries
Daniel opens by highlighting the existential threats to libraries, including censorship and corporate exploitation. He describes how publishers impose exorbitant eBook licensing fees, rendering digital content unaffordable for libraries. Book bans, particularly targeting marginalized voices, further erode access. Daniel’s narrative underscores the library’s role as a public good, now undermined by profit-driven models.
Shadow Librarianship in Action
Drawing from three decades of library work, Daniel recounts his efforts to bypass restrictive systems. By digitizing out-of-print materials and sharing banned books, he ensures access for underserved communities. His methods, while ethically driven, skirt legal boundaries, reflecting a commitment to serving patrons over corporate interests. Daniel’s stories, including providing banned books to struggling youth, resonate deeply.
Empowering Community Action
Daniel encourages attendees to become shadow librarians, emphasizing that anyone can contribute by sharing knowledge. He advocates for scanning and distributing unavailable materials, challenging unconstitutional bans, and supporting patrons in need. His lack of a formal library degree, yet extensive impact, illustrates that passion and action outweigh credentials in this fight.
Building a Knowledge Commons
Concluding, Daniel envisions a future where communities reclaim access to information. He urges collective resistance against corporate control, drawing parallels to hacker ethics of openness and collaboration. By sharing resources and skills, anyone can become a librarian for their community, ensuring knowledge remains a public right rather than a commodity.
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