The Myth of Open: Academic Libraries’ Role in Open Movements and Its Contention with Capitalism

Academic libraries play a complex role in open-source software (OSS) and open access (OA) movements. Openness and sharing are both core values in libraries; however, there are many ways in which academic libraries are complicit in information capitalism despite resistance efforts. Beginning with the foundation of capitalism through the tragedy of the commons and the present-day expression of neoliberalism, this critical review discusses the ways in which libraries can facilitate the open sharing of knowledge and resources. The paper posits that the myth of open, or the belief that OSS and OA are always better and more ethical, is not realistic as there are many challenges to making all things open. These nuances must be reckoned with as librarians discuss and implement open systems and infrastructure. Academic librarians should feel empowered to play a role in reimagining the sharing economy where all participants and users in open movements can collectively benefit.