The American Anthropological Association ’s (AAA) decision to oppose the FRPAA seems to be provoking more controversy for the organization. The ever-indispensable Peter Suber has linked to several critical comments about the AAA rejection of open access. Many of these commentators are in a much better position than me to comment on the specifics of the AAA decision (see: anthropology.net, afarensis, and Savage Minds).

However, from the position of someone who is not directly involved in social or cultural anthropology, I find the AAA position extremely odd. This organization represents a membership that often works with poor and marginalized communities. Many AAA members become passionate activists on behalf of these communities. It may be helpful to let the AAA leadership know that “Access to Knowledge” is more and more becoming regarded as a human rights issue (witness the topics and organizations represented at the recent Yale Access to Knowledge conference). Access, openness and transparency are essential elements of democratic decision-making, activism, and a well functioning civil society. As stated, anthropology and anthropological analyses are often about living people often in very vulnerable situations. Human rights, public health, civil society organizations and others really need the kinds of contributions anthropology can provide to work effectively.

And this gets to an important issue. Many people who could use anthropology don’t because they have no idea what anthropologists do or what they study. Open access frameworks, augmented by powerful search technologies, can help outsiders (other researchers, policy makers, human rights activists, public health advocates, etc.) discover what anthropology has to offer. Without open access, anthropologists are losing an important “marketing” tool for their research. That puts the vitality and relevance of their discipline at risk.

By taking such a defensive and petty stance on open access, it seems like the AAA is working at cross-purposes here, and is making a strategic mistake.