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Michael Weinberg
Absolutely Crushing It at Data Culture
Michael Weinberg is the Executive Director of the Engelberg Center on Innovation Law & Policy at NYU Law. He is known for his advocacy in promoting open access policies and copyright reform, particularly within the context of Open GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums). In a recent episode of Open Culture VOICES, he discussed how open access can help overcome barriers in cultural institutions, enabling broader public engagement with cultural heritage.1
Weinberg emphasizes the importance of removing friction in accessing cultural works, arguing that institutions should rethink their stewardship roles to facilitate greater public interaction with cultural artifacts. His approach is rooted in the belief that opening up collections not only benefits users but also enriches the cultural landscape by allowing diverse communities to engage with and build upon existing works.1
In addition to his role at NYU, Weinberg actively participates in discussions around copyright law, advocating for user rights in contexts such as 3D printing. He has been involved in efforts to renew exemptions that allow users to bypass digital rights management (DRM) restrictions for legal purposes, reflecting his commitment to balancing innovation with copyright protections.2
Overall, Michael Weinberg's work is characterized by a focus on collaboration and accessibility, making significant contributions to the discourse on data culture and open access in the arts and humanities.