Open for Who?

Reality of Knowledge Access in the Prison Industrial Complex

Abstract

The open movement at large is one of radical redistribution of power. However, as it currently stands, access advocacy often falls short when it comes to individuals within the prison industrial complex. The pervasive assumption that open means accessible inhibits scholarship, especially for justice-impacted scholars who do not have "regular" internet access. While this is especially difficult for students experiencing incarceration, a lack of equitable access is an issue for all library users. This is a reflection on open access, intellectual freedom, digital equity, and the duty of librarians to be mindful of access barriers in conversations surrounding these topics, as well as an overview of the technology and scholarship access within the prison industrial complex. It's informed based on my own experience with justice-impacted scholars in California State Prisons as well as current literature around education programs and digital (in)equity issues for those currently and recently incarcerated. It is a call for furthering our discussions and advocacy by acknowledging current limitations in order to appreciate the full potential of openness as an equalizer, a philosophy and practice that promotes information equity for all.