Caring for Scholarly Knowledge: Multiscalar Challenges for a ValuesBased Knowledge Commons

Abstract

This paper addresses the processes of the scholarly publishing system transitioning to Open Access in the context of a value-based knowledge commons and discusses the associated challenges for collective action. The idea of a valuebased knowledge commons is situated in the context of an unequal distribution of knowledge and correspondingly available resources (e.g., time, labor). The call for orienting towards care ethics (Tronto, 1993) is linked to a demand for a more inclusive and equitable publication system. Its implementation requires multiscalar collaboration, resource allocation, and knowledge exchange among different actors. Using the example of non-commercial publishing initiatives, I critically engage with and discuss the perspectives and challenges of commoning (De Angelis, 2017; Gibson-Graham et al., 2016) and care, based on 24 qualitative interviews with representatives of scholar-led publishing initiatives, librarians, and international experts.