Research Libraries Association Statements on Aboriginal Knowledge, Open Government and Broadband Access

The Public Policy Committee of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) recently approved three new statements on traditional knowledge, open government initiatives, and access to broadband internet services:

• Traditional knowledge and cultural expressions : "The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is examining intellectual property considerations of traditional knowledge, genetic resources and cultural expressions.  This impacts research libraries, which can house data collected in collaboration with indigenous peoples. CARL members believe that a balance between the protection of ancestral knowledge and sharing knowledge through libraries can be achieved. International agreements should reflect this reality."
• Open Government: "Open Government encourages transparency and accountability by providing the public with information on the state’s activities. The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) supports the Government of Canada’s Open Government initiatives. Once implemented, these measures will provide Canadians with more information about their government’s activities. For researchers, this means access to information that would otherwise be unobtainable (...) The Open Data initiative is of particular importance to CARL, given our members’ role in preserving and distributing information and knowledge for both research and learning."
• Access to broadband Internet services for all Canadians : "Access to broadband Internet presents Canadians with the widest range of opportunities to conduct business, learn, innovate and communicate in the international digital marketplace. The Internet allows governments, educational institutions and private companies to provide direct services to the population no matter where they are in Canada, thus eliminating geographical barriers. CARL believes that access to reliable and affordable high speed Internet is in the interest of all Canadians. We strongly encourage government initiatives that further broadband Internet access to all Canadians, regardless of their geographic location and financial means."

[Source: CARL E-lert Archive]