Skip to main content

Public, Open-Source, and Altruistic Resources: Maximizing Access

I am asked all the time about open-source programs, resources, and other free alternatives for things that can be prohibitively expensive. Don't get me wrong, sometimes there are easy answers.

Big companies will offer generous discounts to educational institutions, non-profit organizations and even individual educators. However, as we also know, sometimes, there is a significant barrier when talking about access to knowledge.

Let's step back for a minute and think about what is necessary versus what is desired. Of course, "free" always sounds better and seems more desirable. However, what does free really mean? After all, most of us understand that there is some inherent cost to everything. The real question is more about who is paying that cost and what are we willing to accept?

Below, we will explore three primary sources of "free" resources and talk about the implications and tradeoffs involved. For our purposes, we will look at publicly available resources, open-source software, and what I am calling altruistic resources.

First, let's talk about public resources. Many of you may say these aren't “free” and you would be correct. Usually these take the form of resources such as public libraries, public use databases, or resources provided through governmental websites. Since Indiana is my context, let's look at some examples below (just for context, in my county, we pay less than $52/yr. for these resources):

  • Libby – If you live in a community, you are likely to see a line on your property taxes for your local library. There are so many wonderful things about a library but one of them is Libby (formerly Overdrive). This app allows you to check out E- books, Audio Books, and more with just your library card. 
  • Online Databases- All libraries provide some databases, and these are heavily dependent on vendor relationships, consortiums that pool resources, and local funding levels. In Indiana, we are fortunate to have not only the databases provided by the local library, but also a state-wide agreement with EBSCO, allowing all Hoosiers access to their databases through "Inspire."

These are just a few resources to highlight. There are many others you may have access to at no additional charge. And don’t even get me started on the programming, physical books, movies, and continuing education opportunities.

Next, let's talk about open-source software. There are too many of these to outline them all here so I will stick with one (and maybe link to some others). As many of you who follow my work know, I am a huge fan of Obsidian. This is an open source, community-supported software that allows you to take notes, manage connections, and organize your thinking. The software is completely free to use, but also has some optional paid add-ons (highly discounted for educators). As other examples of open source software, see the short list below:

Finally, I want to talk about what I call altruistic resources-These can take many forms but are usually either grant or foundation funded. Again, there are many examples, but I would like to focus on one that has always been a personal favorite. Project Gutenberg is a wonderful resource for those looking for public domain materials. You might be wondering what I mean by public domain. Public domain is when the author’s copyright expires, and materials can be issued by the public free of charge. A good recent example would be Mickey Mouse entering the public domain.

Project Gutenberg allows you to access many classical Works and historical archives for free and in multiple formats. You can access files in HTML, Kindle, PDF, EPUB, and Kobo. This opens a whole world of information and flexibility for knowledge consumption. It should be noted that many companies such as Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and others offer some e-book titles free or at a vastly reduced cost, that are in the public domain such as classical literature, philosophy, and politics. However, they do not offer the freedom of choice you can find on Project Gutenberg.

So, why did we talk about these resources and why do I see them as so valuable? As someone who did not grow up owning a lot of books, I would buy as many as possible if I had an endless budget.

However, I am also still cost conscious and want to be able to have as much access to information as possible. With the resources covered here, a person could consume a myriad of content at no additional cost (recognizing tax-supported services). This reduced barrier to entry is amazing. Until next time, thank you for reading and please follow the blog for more articles and notifications.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One Week with the Supernote Manta

Note: This was originally published on my Patreon page as a members-only discussion and is now being shared in the new year. I also did a follow-up video that you can access below: Well, it’s Officially been one week since I received and opened the Supernote A5X2 Manta. You can see my unboxing video above. I have to admit that the device has been a joy to use so far. My content came over seamlessly from my A5X and the writing feel is almost identical. As a heavy user of the Supernote platform, I want to share my first thoughts after one week of use. We will start with the opportunities and move on to improvements. Opportunities Software Consistency - This is something that is easily fixed. I know that in the lead up to the Manta release, Ratta was releasing software updates direct, without first doing beta releases. While I understand the pressure to just "get it done," I think that came at a price. Here are just a few things that are currently not consistent:   Touch Input  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Supernote Manta is Here

Well, the wait is finally over, the Supernote Manta (A5X2) is finally here, as well as a surprise new LAMY collaboration. There has been much excitement, anticipation, frustration, and what some might call drama surrounding this device. However, it appears now that Ratta, the manufacturer of Supernote, has delivered on their promise to release what some see as a groundbreaking device in the e-note space. After all, this is only the second device to be modular in design (the other being the Supernote Nomad). While this is more of an announcement post, I plan to be releasing a fair bit of content on the device, putting it through its paces. For now, I am happy to share my unboxing and first impressions: I do want to make clear (also stated in the video) that the device was sent to me by Ratta for review. I have not been asked to provide any specific opinions or get authorization for any content prior to or after release. All my opinions, observations, and conclusions are completely un...
2 comments
Read more

Ratta Supernote Customer Service Culture

Warning, this is a lengthy post, but this topic really struck a nerve. As someone who was in the customer service space for over 25 years (more depending on some definitions), I have had a difficult time watching the descent of the discussion on Reddit in the Supernote community. What used to be a place for serious discussion and support, both by community members and the company, has devolved into a constant barrage of hate, vitriol, and drama. Don't get me wrong, Ratta is not perfect as a company, and I have been a leading proponent of them not being as restrictive on comments about other competitors. While I recognize their right to do so, I just think it's a bad look from a public relations perspective. Additionally, the delays surrounding the A5X2 and the decision to reduce transparency has caused even more angst. Acknowledging all of that, there is something even more insidious at play here. First, we need to examine what started this firestorm. In October, Ratta rele...
4 comments
Read more