Researching the Information Commons (RIC)
Kerry E. Smith · Library Hi Tech News · 2011
Purpose The paper seeks to describe the establishment and progress of an online initiative: RIC – Researching the Information Commons. Design/methodology/approach Who has really challenged and thought through in a research sense about the issues that surround the commons provision of information; a concept dear to the hearts of many of the world's librarians? This question leads to the development of a researcher networking initiative, represented on the web as RIC ( http://infocommons.curtin.edu.au ). Findings The web site has a growing number of participants, not all working together, but who are interested in information commons matters from a research point of view. Research limitations/implications RIC is a federated network of colleagues researching in this many faceted arena and it is slowly gathering momentum. Expressions of interest to join have been sought, and a web site has been developed. Practical implications RIC will operate through: openness and feedback; shared decision making; diversity within the commons; honouring social and legal equity amongst its members; and fostering sociability within the commons. Social implications The vision for the RIC Group is to nurture and mentor a community of researchers interested in matters relating to the information commons, by being in itself an information commons. Originality/value The topic of information commons has considerable use and currency but there appears to be only one RIC.