Onsrud, H.J., "The Tragedy of the Information Commons" in Policy Issues in Modern Cartography (Elsevier Science) 1998, pp. 141-158. (NOTE: this version  is a draft prior to being edited by the publisher.)

Harlan J. Onsrud

Abstract

Large amounts of data, information and other intellectual resources have been made available as public goods in the United States for the general benefit of all citizens through a range of legal and institutional mechanisms. The resulting body of information that is freely accessible for use by all constitutes a public commons in information. This information commons has had substantial positive effects on the well being and growth of society. It is suggested, however, that "tragedy of the commons" dynamics are being set in motion that threaten the continued existence of an information commons as we transition to a society that is increasingly reliant on digitally formatted information. As in the environmental realm, identification and recognition of the dynamics leading to a "tragedy of the information commons" may be a first step in addressing the destruction and despoliation of the public commons in information.

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