Utah State Eastern presents The Commons: A Brief History of Powerful Idea
Wednesday, January 28 from 6:00PM to 7:ooPM
At the Utah State Eastern Central instructin Building Room #101

Question – What quality do “Steamboat Willie,” the Grand Canyon, and your local library all share? They all exist within the “commons” that seek to protect and make available our cultural property that can enhance and enrich all of our lives. From the physical commons such as National Parks or the local city park, to the “public domain” of intellectual property like the works of Shakespeare or the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, to public services like your local library, the “commons” is an idea in political and economic theory that there are things that should be held jointly and governed by “the people” as a benefit to all. This talk will explore the ideas that serve as the foundation from which so many of our “best ideas” spring.

Michael W. Harris is Assistant Librarian and Head of Eastern and Statewide Services at Utah State University Eastern. With a background in archives, digital preservation, and research instruction, he holds an M.S. in Library and Information Science and a Ph.D. in Musicology. His publications span film music, media history, and librarianship, and he frequently presents on space planning, assessment, and thirdspace theory. Harris is dedicated to expanding equitable access and strengthening community-centered library services.