An Open Letter to Patricia Schroeder
On February 7, 2001, the Washington Post published an article on Patricia Schroeder, president of the Association of American Publishers. The article focused on the former congresswoman's efforts to raise the volume of the debate regarding protection of digital content both within her association's membership and in the general public arena. In the course of discussing the publishing industry's major concerns, Schroeder made a variety of comments that cast librarians as the antagonists who want all digital content to be free. The following is intended as a response to the Washington Post article.
Dear Ms. Schroeder:
First, I'd like to thank you for doing so much to improve the image of librarians and information professionals worldwide. Your general characterization of our profession as one that bares its teeth and scares the daylights out of the publishing industry is one we seek on a daily basis but have yet to perfect. I doubt, however, that most readers of the article in the February 7, 2001 Washington Post would attach such an aggressive brand to the librarians they know, even if they typically believe everything you say. Unfortunately, you failed to back up your assertion with anything resembling evidence that suggests the library and information profession is out to get publishers or committed to ruining your industry, other than to convince Linton Weeks (the author of the article) that "librarians want to give [content] away." Perhaps you should consult your staff librarian.
I think most in your industry and our profession would agree that, for years now, we have been at loggerheads over the issue of managing and using digital content. The publishing industry's shift in perspective on protecting "intellectual property" and subsequent lack of communication are to blame for the fissures that have damaged the once-strong bonds that tied our respective memberships together. You did not start it, but you and your staff certainly aren't stopping it, either. To be fair, many who represent the library and information profession are perpetuating the perceptions you have put forth, or worsesome are antagonistic, too. Our profession, however, generally supports strong relations with the publishers, and many in your industry would agree.
The wrangling over legislation and court battles has certainly widened the gulf. And nothing seems to indicate that this will change anytime soon. But let's face reality: libraries used to enjoy a comfortable sense of freedom in the use and dissemination of content in the print and analog world, and publisherswith some reservationswere generally in agreement on this. The freedoms accorded to libraries were accepted by publishers over time, because it was the right thing to do. Then came the digital revolution, and all of a sudden, what was once protected by copyright law become "property" in the minds of publishersa questionable notion, at best.
Legal scholars of all stripes will argue over the details, but our opinion is that this new perspective is a departure from the historical precedents on copyright protection. Our view is that content is not property in a very real sense. We do agree that no one should be allowed under the law to just make copies ad infinitum or to plagiarize another's work and gain from it. These are basic premises that all librarians believe should be observed by their users. We are your greatest allies in the trenches, often working to ensure that the laws are understood. The people you need to worry about are those who flout the lawstudents, professors, organizational management, and many others in the public. Without us, you'd have no one but lawyers for cities and towns, school systems and universities, governments, organizations, and companies running around maybe enforcing the lawand maybe not.
By the way, have you actually purchased an annual subscription to an online publication or service? Do you understand the costs for accessing high-quality, reliable information? Your words suggest that you do not. Again, maybe you should consult your staff librarian.
Rather than making generalized, uninformed statements that place the blame on someone else, why not work with our community? If you really want a resolution to the problem, get to the table with the people who make your industry successful. SLA has repeatedly asked you to participate in our annual conference, with your only response being that you cannot attend. Throwing bombs and other simple lobbying tactics will only exacerbate the gulf between your industry and our profession for generations to come. With such an amazing record of public service in your past, we are hopeful that you will see the light.
For more information,
contact John Crosby
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