16. The Hague Declaration: Improving Knowledge Creation in the Digital Age

In a world where we are creating more data than ever, and where that data could contain the answers to some of society’s most pressing challenges such as climate change and disease, it is critical that libraries, researchers, businesses and people in general can use modern techniques and tools (such as text and data mining) to analyse that data and make new discoveries.

The Hague Declaration was created with that goal in mind. It sets out principles for better access to facts, data and ideas for knowledge discovery in the digital age. Developed by experts in the field, it has gathered over 750 signatures from organisations and individuals across the world, since its launch in May 2015.

Our poster will illustrate the importance of improved access to digital information, and in particular the fact that intellectual property legislation was not designed to regulate the free flow of facts, data and ideas, as is currently the case in many areas due to the modern application of copyright law. This point is critical if we are to support researchers in their work, and broaden the potential for open science and data reuse.

Other main points from the Declaration include the assertion that licenses and contract terms should not restrict individuals from using facts, data and ideas, and that people should have the freedom to analyse and pursue intellectual curiosity without fear of monitoring or repercussions.

The poster will give concrete points to show what librarians can do to support the Hague declaration principles. It will encourage LIBER conference participants to sign if they have not already done so and to spread the message within their networks.

The Hague Declaration: www.thehaguedeclaration.com