The database I wished to access was created by a non-profit organization with the help of philanthropies like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Here is a description:

Today, the JSTOR archives include scholarship published in over one thousand of the highest-quality academic journals across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, as well as monographs and other materials valuable for academic work.

Many of the publishers are non-profits. Much of the research was supported with tax-dollars. Some of the digitized material is old enough to be in the public domain. Why is this information locked up? Why is access limited in such an irrational manner?

As I recall, the time limit for computer access at my local library is one hour. Imagine if you’re a kid doing homework, especially if you’re trying to read a whole e-book. I realize that not all library systems are this horrible. Still, home access is the way to go as one option—I want there to be generous library access, too! And I want these services available to the middle class as well, at least within reason. Otherwise public libraries will be like urban schools.

Publishers should view librarians as friends who can help grow the book market (yep, I know: dream on, in many cases). And of course they could benefit in other ways. For example, there should be provisions for fair compensation for writers and publishers. We’re talking about tax money and a public-private solution, not just a Google one alone. What’s more, I want other info providers involved rather than merely Google and friends.

Thanks,
David