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Mek
@mek.fyi

Hi, I'm @mek.fyi and for 9 years I've run the @openlibrary.org at @archive.org, where 11M patrons world-wide rely on us to preserve society's library books, many which can't be accessed elsewhere. 🎲 Markets, politics, employment could change: I pledge to keep Aaron Swartz's Open Library OPEN 📖. Why?

Mek
@mek.fyi

More than ever, the world needs libraries: safe spaces, supportive community, reliable information, basic resources. Meanwhile, the world's libraries are increasingly under threat by lawsuits, exploitative leasing models, funding cuts, and never-ending copyright. www.linkedin.com/pulse/uncert...

Mek
@mek.fyi

@openlibrary.org remains home to thousands of challenged books: openlibrary.org/collections/... Do I agree with all of them? No. But I believe in the value of protecting authors' free speech. I trust in my neighbors to reach healthy conclusions. And I believe in the power of books to get us there.

openlibrary.orgThe Banned & Challenged Books Library | Open LibraryOpen Library is an open, editable library catalog, building towards a web page for every book ever published. Read, borrow, and discover more than 3M books for free.
Mek
@mek.fyi

While library systems in many nations are paddling upstream, against predatory corporate leasing schemes, to continue serving patrons, many nations have yet to establish libraries. @openlibrary.org ensures all nations have basic access to a Public Domain. mekarpeles.medium.com/content-land...

mekarpeles.medium.comContent Landlords and the Eviction of American LibrariesNetflix and many other content landlords want to force you to pay rent instead of being able to own your home. This makes them more money…
Mek
@mek.fyi

Thousands of readers with qualifying print disabilities rely on platforms like @openlibrary.org because digital access is literally the only way they can read print books. These audiences shouldn't have to worry about a sudden change in policy potentially leaving them behind.

Mek
@mek.fyi

The library ethos is to support humans and create opportunity. As a community, @openlibrary.org has mentored and graduated more than 30 engineering & design fellows internationally, helping many make impact, enter graduate programs, and jumpstart their careers. www.linkedin.com/posts/mekarp...

linkedin.comFolks often tell me they're surprised to learn that OpenLibrary.org and… | Mek KarpelesFolks often tell me they're surprised to learn that OpenLibrary.org and its 7M patrons are served by a small team of ~3 full-time staff. We couldn't do what we do without the help of Lisa Sea...
Mek
@mek.fyi

"Information is power. But like all power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves. The world’s entire scientific and cultural heritage, published over centuries in books and journals, is increasingly being digitized and locked up by a handful of private corporations." - Aaron Swartz

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Mek
@mek.fyi

This is why: the stock market could crash to zero, I could lose my job, and policies could make it harder for libraries to exist, and these would be all the more reasons to conscientiously advocate for and build towards the compassionate, inclusive world of library values everyone deserves.

Mek
@mek.fyi

I am deeply saddened for those public-good-committed individuals within the Library & Archives community who have had their grant funding frozen, and I am available for a call if I can be a helpful resource for navigating next steps.