Commons-Brett C

1. Public libraries help promote democracy in many ways. Bollier introduces us to the idea of libraries as a part of commons: resources for all of mankind that should be sustained for current and future use. Understanding the idea of a library as part of the greater commons helps us understand their usefulness as tools for a democratic society: conducive to learning and expanding knowledge. They are tools for empowerment. Libraries are resources that allow people to uncover knowledge as prescribed by people before them, while allowing them to build upon this knowledge to provide insight into meaning construction and development. Privatizing the commons as is trying to be imposed by some, works to de-construct the democratic construction and spread of knowledge.
Bollier puts internet in the category of commons along with libraries. Just as rules, laws and regulations are being enacted to make certain the use of internet and its resources are strictly regulated to the highest extent of the law, we are warned to be careful as these same ideas are sure to be though to be imposed on libraries. The way we enjoy our collection of information could be altered by big corporation lobbyist working to regulate the use of their products, services, and knowledge. Like the internet, libraries need to be utilized as primary sources of a wide-range of invaluable information for use by all as part of the commons.

2. "Anarchy in the Library," as portrayed by Vaidhyanathan refers to the empowerment achieved through access to information in the library. I agree that we need to take a critical look at the limits we are imposing on ourselves when placing limits or bans on content, use and availability of information. proposes that the common use of simple technological fixes to "combat a complex social or cultural phenomenon" can often end up causing additional problems or undermining the flow of information systems. The point of this work seems to be directed at really understanding the pros and cons of information availability and its social value for humanity as a whole. Limiting our resources limits our growth as a society and may have harmful impacts on future social, economic, scientific, and technological advances.