The Genesis of Open Access: A New Deal Legacy

The New Deal, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ambitious program to combat the Great Depression, is often remembered for its infrastructure projects and social safety nets. But its legacy extends far beyond bridges and welfare programs. A less-known, yet equally significant, aspect of the New Deal was its commitment to making federally funded research publicly accessible. This proactive approach laid the groundwork for the modern open access movement, fostering collaboration and accelerating scientific progress in ways that continue to resonate today.

Funding Scientific Research: A National Priority

Recognizing the critical role of science and technology in national development and economic recovery, the New Deal invested heavily in research across various fields. From agricultural advancements to advancements in public health, the sheer scale of funding was unprecedented. This wasn’t just about throwing money at the problem; it was a strategic investment designed to leverage the power of scientific inquiry to address the nation’s most pressing challenges. Crucially, the government understood that the benefits of this research should not be confined to a select few but should be shared with the entire nation.

Breaking Down Barriers to Knowledge: Accessibility as a Core Principle

Unlike previous eras where scientific findings were often guarded by private institutions or individual researchers, the New Deal emphasized the importance of disseminating knowledge freely. This wasn’t simply a matter of altruism; it was a pragmatic approach that recognized the synergistic effects of widespread access to research findings. By making this data public, the government fostered collaboration, allowing researchers across institutions and disciplines to build upon existing knowledge, accelerating the pace of discovery and innovation.

The Role of Government Agencies in Dissemination

Various New Deal agencies played a key role in ensuring the public availability of research. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA), for instance, published numerous bulletins and reports on agricultural practices and crop yields. Similarly, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded research projects in the arts and humanities, and the results were disseminated widely through publications and exhibitions. These agencies understood that the public had a right to access the knowledge they funded, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

Long-Term Impact on Scientific Collaboration and Progress

The open access principles embedded within the New Deal’s approach to research had a profound and lasting impact. It nurtured a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing that transcended institutional boundaries. Researchers were encouraged to build upon each other’s work, leading to a more rapid accumulation of scientific knowledge. This collaborative environment, fostered by the policy of public accessibility, accelerated the pace of scientific advancements in various fields, leading to tangible improvements in the quality of life for many Americans.

A Model for the Future of Open Science

The New Deal’s commitment to making federally funded research publicly available serves as a powerful model for contemporary discussions surrounding open science. In today’s world, where the cost of research is constantly rising and the need for collaboration is more critical than ever, the lessons learned from the New Deal remain strikingly relevant. By embracing the principles of open access, we can ensure that the benefits of scientific discovery are widely shared, fostering innovation and addressing the challenges of our time.

Beyond the Archives: A Living Legacy

While the specific agencies and programs of the New Deal are now part of history, the underlying philosophy of open access continues to inform policy debates and shape practices in the scientific community. The digital age has further amplified the importance of open access, providing unprecedented opportunities for sharing research data and fostering global collaboration. The New Deal’s legacy is not simply a historical footnote; it remains a vibrant and influential force in the ongoing quest to make scientific knowledge freely available to all. Click here to learn about the open access publishing agreement.