Document Actions
APDIP and IOSN Release Publication on Open Content
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.
FOSS: Open Content
FOSS: Open Content
Author: Lawrence Liang
© UNDP-APDIP, 2007, 54 pages
ISBN-13: 978-974-7170-40-5
ISBN-10: 974-7170-40-X
[PDF with cover, 1.1MB] [PDF without cover, 420kB]
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out-of-date.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.
Related Links
Other resources on Open Access and
Content
FOSS: Network Infrastructure and Security
About the International Open Source Network (IOSN)
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
