The Commons Reader
Commons Readers are intended as digital publications designed to provide an introduction to a particular author or theme within the bounds of the fair use rules of copyright. This means a judicious comination of text extracts from published works, instructor comments, relevant bio materials, images, videos, and website links. It is hoped both to encourage serious students to buy the relevant books mentioned as well as to make the ideas accessible to remote based students (often on reservations) who have neither library access nor purchasing power to acquire the books in question. The books also enable reader comments to help provide ventilation of obscure ideas or problematic issues within a context that encourages social interaction of readers.