APDIP and IOSN Release Publication on Open Content
July 19th, 2007 by aizatto
APDIP and IOSN released a publication on Open Content a month ago. I had a look at it in its initial draft stage, but recently, but do have a look.
This e-primer introduces the concept of Open Content. It focuses on implications for policy makers, and the advantages that the Open Content model may offer, especially for developing countries.
While the question of who has access to and control over knowledge is an age-old one, it seems to have gained urgency in the context of the ‘information revolution’ of the past few years. This e-primer begins by examining the context in which the Open Content movement has emerged within the broader historical context of copyright’s relation to the public domain. It discusses how copyright has developed over the past decades, looks at some myths of copyright, and explores how the Open Content movement is reshaping our ideas of creativity and knowledge creation using various case studies.
This e-primer introduces an Open Content model in which materials (text, sound, images) are created, used, distributed and modified by the general public in a more participative manner and without the traditional restrictions imposed by copyright. This is followed by a study of the ways in which Open Content licenses work. Finally, this e-primer focuses on some of the implications for policy makers, and the advantages, as well as the limitations the Open Content model may offer, especially for developing countries.
This e-primer is part of the International Open Source Network’s Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) e-Primer Series. We have also donated all e-primers to Wikibooks as we realize how fast a published book gets out-of-date. On Wikibooks, the e-primers are freely available for all to update and use.
The International Open Source Network (IOSN) promotes the adoption of free/open source software, open standards, and open content for sustainable human development in the Asia-Pacific region. Three centres of excellence have been established in the region – IOSN ASEAN+3 in Manila, IOSN Pacific Island Countries in Suva and IOSN South Asia in Chennai. IOSN is an initiative of the UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme and supported by the International Development Research Centre of Canada.
They have released a series of other amazing primers related to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) which you should take a look at:
- FOSS: A General Introduction
- FOSS: Education
- FOSS: Government and Policy
- FOSS: Localization
- FOSS: Open Standards
- FOSS: Licensing
- FOSS: Network Infrastructure and Security
Trivia: I was given an acknowledgment (pg 62), yay! I reviewed the initial draft and gave some comments :).
