Prior to watching The Internet’s Own Boy, I had a surface level awareness of Aaron Swartz. I certainly was not familiar with the depth of his innovative work, advocacy, or criminal case at the hands of the U.S. Government. His federal prosecution was so unnecessary, yet I continue to be unsurprised by the hypocrisy and persistence of injustice in the court system here in the United States. The prosecutorial tactics of example setting and extensive charges used against Swartz were par for the course with our legal system. I’d argue that watching this film and knowing Aaron’s story is important for anybody working in the digital space. Yet, it’s an upsetting and infuriating experience as a viewer. Obviously, a deeply traumatic one for Aaron and his loved ones.
On the matter of open access to academic work, I am speaking from the perspective of my experience in the American education system as a student and as a professional (7+ years as a fundraiser in higher ed). Many of the top research institutions in the U.S. are public universities. The work that goes on at these schools is publicly funded and therefore considered public record in many cases. In the case of private universities, much of their research is still supported by federal grants.
My stance is straight forward: if research is publicly funded in any significant way then it should not be published behind a paywall. I understand that this position comes with implications for the business of journals and the people who work for them. However, public dollars are just that, provided by the citizenry for the benefit of the community. Academic research paid for by the public belongs to the public.
Bibliography
Knappenberger, B. (2014, July 1). The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz. Luminant Media and Unjustus Films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vz06QO3UkQ
