While the majority of American citizens probably would never take advantage of such an open access database, it is important for us to see where our tax dollars are going. Furthermore, as with the Freedom of Information Act, it is important for information to be easily accessible. We shouldn't have to jump through hoops to do something as basic as learn. This legislation would help bridge the gap between academia and the public — theory and praxis — and would open up new and bold opportunities for research applications.
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Article comments
1 - Peter Suber
Brian: You're right that academic *publishers* generally oppose this bill, but wrong that *academics* (researchers) oppose it. Researchers are very much in favor of it and see that it would help them both as authors and as readers. The scientific societies are doing harm, not only by opposing a good bill but also by pretending to speak for the interests of science when in fact they're only speaking for the interests of their publishing divisions.
BTW, I track new developments on this bill in my blog,
Open Access News
2 - Bryan McKay
Peter, you're right, of course. While I was aware of the distinction you point out, I can fully understand why my article may have led to you believe otherwise! The first few sentences in the fourth paragraph could have been worded a bit more carefully. It's important to note, however, that these organizations are still composed largely of academics who are selling themselves out and doing a massive disservice to the rest of their community.
I'll be sure to check out your blog. If you're interested in my slightly more nuanced stance on the issue, please feel free to check out my post on the subject on my home site.
3 - Peter Suber
Thanks, Brian. It's true that these societies are composed of academics. But instead of saying that the members are selling themselves out, it's more accurate to say that the leaders are failing to consult the members. For example, of the several dozen scholarly societies that have signed public letters opposing FRPAA, I don't know a single one that asked its members to vote on the issue. As members start to understand what's happening (which may be slow and uneven), I expect to see leadership changes at many of these societies and increasing protests on blogs and listservs that current society leaders are not representing their members.
4 - Bryan McKay
Yes, the above comment should have read that the leaders of the organizations were selling themselves out, and, more importantly, selling out their members. It certainly makes one wary of paying membership dues to any of these groups.