Digitize this book! : the politics of new media, or why we need open access now

Introduction

In an era when access to information is increasingly mediated by digital technologies, Digitize This Book! The Politics of New Media, or Why We Need Open Access Now tackles some of the most urgent questions about accessibility, intellectual property, and the role of academia in the digital age. Written by Gary Hall, this provocative work challenges the traditional models of scholarly publishing and advocates for open access as a means to democratize knowledge production and dissemination. By examining the intersections of technology, politics, and culture, the book not only critiques the status quo but also offers a roadmap for transforming the way we think about knowledge-sharing and the public good.

Rather than simply focusing on the technical facets of digitization, Hall delves deeply into the socio-political implications of open access, encouraging readers to rethink the power dynamics embedded in academic publishing. As academic libraries and universities grapple with the limitations of traditional publishing systems, this book emerges as a critical guide to understanding why open access matters and how it can be implemented successfully—especially within the neoliberal institutional frameworks of our time.

Detailed Summary of the Book

The book is structured around a central contention: that traditional scholarly publishing models are outdated and inherently exclusionary. It argues that these models, which rely heavily on paywalls and restrictive copyright policies, run counter to the very purpose of academic research, which should serve the broader community. Hall deftly explores how digital technologies could disrupt these systems and enable open access platforms that operate outside corporate interests.

In the first part of the book, Hall provides an in-depth critique of the existing academic publishing ecosystem, unraveling its reliance on antiquated economic models and hierarchical forms of knowledge dissemination. From there, he moves into a discussion of how digital culture and new media technologies have the potential to democratize access to scholarly work. Throughout, he stresses the importance of reconceptualizing what knowledge-sharing can look like in an increasingly networked and digitally mediated society.

Engaging with thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and others, Hall situates the debate around open access within broader philosophical and political contexts. This adds depth and nuance to his argument, suggesting that the question of digitization is not just a technical issue but a cultural one. The book culminates in a series of practical proposals on how academia can embrace open access policies without losing sight of its institutional and disciplinary frameworks.

Key Takeaways

• Open access transforms the traditional publishing model by removing barriers to entry and expanding the reach of academic research globally.
• The digital revolution is as much about cultural and political transformation as it is about technological innovation.
• Existing intellectual property laws often hinder rather than promote the free exchange of knowledge.
• Scholarly publishing needs to prioritize public good over profit-driven motives to ensure equitable access to information.
• The push for open access requires collaboration among academics, publishers, and institutions to reshape the landscape of knowledge dissemination.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"Open access is not just an ethical obligation for academics but a necessary condition for fostering an informed and engaged society."

"The digital realm is not neutral; it is a contested space where politics, power, and culture continuously intersect."

Why This Book Matters

Gary Hall's Digitize This Book! is a cornerstone text in the ongoing conversation around open access and the future of academic publishing. At a time when the commodification of knowledge is increasingly scrutinized, the book offers a crucial critique of institutional practices while providing a vision for a more inclusive and equitable approach to scholarship. It is an essential resource for academics, librarians, policymakers, and anyone concerned with democratizing access to information in the digital age.

Hall's work is particularly relevant given the rapid growth of digital platforms and the urgent need to rethink the cultural and political dimensions of knowledge dissemination. By calling attention to the shortcomings of current publishing models and advocating for transformative change, the book empowers readers to engage with these debates and push for meaningful reform in their own fields of work.