Abstract
Numerous forces are enclosing the knowledge commons and threatening the sustainability of scholarly communication. This chapter describes strategies deployed to counter enclosure, many of which are undertaken through the collective action of librarians and scholars working together worldwide. It then considers alternative models for delivering research resources that expand access and participation, as well as the role of research libraries in these efforts. It also discusses the challenges to achieving these new operational modes. The author then proposes some designs for governance structures, financial models, and advocacy efforts that will help transform the academy into a 21st century institution that organizes, safeguards, preserves and promotes the knowledge assets of the scholarly community. Finally, the author suggests research that is needed to advance theory and practice related to the development of sustainable knowledge commons in the digital age.