In an age where information is often locked behind paywalls and inaccessible to many, Unglue.it is paving the way for a more inclusive and open society. This innovative website aims to liberate knowledge by making books and other written works freely available to the public, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.
Founded in 2012, Unglue.it is a platform that leverages the power of crowdfunding to buy the rights to books and release them under Creative Commons licenses. Users can contribute to campaigns and help make these valuable resources accessible to all. By bringing together a community of passionate readers and supporters, this unique website has already made a significant impact in the world of free, open access literature.
One of the main features of Unglue.it is its crowdfunding model. Users can browse through a wide selection of books and contribute to the campaigns they find most compelling. Once a campaign reaches its funding goal, the rights to the book are purchased and it is released under a Creative Commons license, making it freely available to anyone in digital formats. This method ensures that the cost of acquiring the rights is shared among supporters, making it more feasible to liberate copyrighted works.
The impact of Unglue.it’s efforts is far-reaching. By making books freely available, the platform breaks down financial barriers that often limit access to knowledge. Students, educators, and researchers can now explore a vast collection of texts without worrying about prohibitive costs. Additionally, individuals who may not have had the means to purchase books can now engage with literature and expand their horizons.
Furthermore, Unglue.it enables authors and publishers to contribute to the greater good while still protecting their interests. Creators have the option to set a funding goal for their books’ campaigns and negotiate a fair royalty rate. This ensures that they are compensated for their work while also making it accessible to the widest audience possible. It’s a win-win situation that fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Unglue.it has already achieved notable successes. In 2013, the platform launched a campaign for the book “Oral Literature in Africa” by Ruth Finnegan. With the support of 120 contributors, the campaign successfully raised over $7,000 and acquired the rights to the book. This achievement showcased the power of community involvement and the impact it can have in making knowledge accessible.
In addition to its crowdfunding campaigns, Unglue.it also encourages the donation of books into the public domain. Through their “Thank a Funder” program, users can show their appreciation for the individuals who have contributed to the liberation of knowledge. This concept of gratitude and recognition further strengthens the bonds within the Unglue.it community.
The mission of Unglue.it is to create a world where knowledge is free and accessible to everyone. Through their innovative crowdfunding model, they have successfully liberated numerous books and made a significant impact. As the platform continues to grow, their vision of an inclusive and open society becomes ever more attainable.
In a time where knowledge is often treated as a commodity, Unglue.it stands as a beacon of hope. Their commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring access to literature for all is commendable. With every campaign successfully funded, they are one step closer to their goal of a world where knowledge knows no bounds. Together, let us celebrate the power of open access and the incredible possibilities it holds for the future.
Link to the website: unglue.it
