Information commons

Abstract: Public document repositories (PDRs) are valuable resources available on the Internet and are a component of the broader information commons freely accessible to the public. Instances of PDRs include the repository of reviews at Amazon.com and the online encyclopedia at Wikipedia. These repositories are created and sustained by the voluntary contributions of individuals who are not compensated for their inputs. This paper draws on and extends critical mass theory in the context of PDRs. Using data on the reviews written by prolific reviewers at Amazon.com and the text of their personal profiles, we find the critical mass of contributors at the PDR not only to be prolific and contributing high-quality reviews, but also to be among the earliest contributors of reviews on products. Reviewer profiles revealed the presence of multiple self-oriented motives (self expression, personal development, utilitarian motives, and enjoyment) and other-oriented motives (social affiliation, altruism, and reciprocity) for co...

Abstract: This chapter contains sections titled: The Commons as a New Language, Varieties of Information Commons, The Future of the Commons, Notes

Abstract: This research elaborated and empirically tested the individual action component of the collective action model as applied to individual contributions to organizational information commons. The model extended prior theory and research by making six elaborations on the classic collective action model based on unique characteristics of information goods compared to material collective goods. The structural equation model was tested via LISREL analyses of data provided by 781 respondents in three high-tech firms who had access to corporate intranets as shared information goods. The results were highly similar across organizations and indicated that (a) level of production, information retrieval, and cost predicted the perceived value of information, (b) information value and cost predicted gain, and (c) information retrieval and gain predicted the level of individual contributions to the commons.

Abstract: "Information Commons" often refers to the theoretical production, sharing, and democratic discussion of information that is afforded by new technologies. It also refers to the physical manifestation of this concept-new facilities that bring together researchers, instructors, students, teachers, and users into one space and equip them with the technology (computers, projectors, Internet) and facilities (workstations, conference and class rooms, print stations). In this comprehensive guidebook, Beagle helps academic, public, and school librarians create new spaces that encourage research, discovery, instruction and learning and meld the traditional research library with the latest technology. This comprehensive handbook guides librarians through: space planning, budgeting, and technology set-up; service modification, staff reallocation, and training; assessment, improvement, and modification of services and facilities; and publicity and marketing of the new commons. Descriptions, photographs, and plans from information commons of various types and sizes are included. The companion CD-ROM features model plans from various institutions and working documents from successful Information Commons projects. Grounded in the theory of information commons, this forward-looking handbook will transform traditional spaces and redefine library service models for the information age.