Not sure if a local gov could get away with this. Is it sensible to ask the local gov take formal actions to declare copyright as unenforcable on things like service manuals and wiring diagrams, which product makers protect almost like trade secrets? It’s not likely enforced anyway, but a formal step would be needed before leaked service manuals could be distributed by public libraries.

In the EU, manufacturers must share repair docs with third-party /insured/ repair professionals (not consumers) for some specific products like washing machines.

Using a stick

Would it be sensible for a local law to require those professionals who have privileged access to repair docs to share whatever they obtain in the course of their work with a public library?

using a carrot

Would it be sensible for a policy to compensate professionals who have privileged access to repair docs for sharing whatever they obtain in the course of their work with a public library? It could be abused. E.g. an appliance repair shop could submit multiple wiring diagrams for the same product as separate submissions if they are (e.g.) paid $/€ 50 per submission.

If the carrot and stick are both used, repair pros could get 50 for the first submitted doc for each model, but then have a mandate to supply any additional docs they receive for that model without further compensation. Maybe that’s too detailed for a petition.

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[–] Schlemmy@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I agree. But you have to start somewhere. The guideline has been converted into legislation in Belgium since last week.

The Repair cafés run by volunteers are now formal repair hubs that are subsidized and will be involved in building up knowledge for further legislation.

[–] activistPnk@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I agree. But you have to start somewhere. The guideline has been converted into legislation in Belgium since last week.

Do you have more detail on what was implemented? I could only find this repairability index, which I suspect won’t be much more useful than energy indexes and nutrition indexes.

[–] Schlemmy@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 week ago

So, one one hand you have a repairability index that indicated how repairable certain devices are.

A bit lame, I agree, and a copy of the French system.

But there's also this knowledge platform that is installed by the same law that unites producers, suppliers, employees, environmental organisations and al our regional governments (we have a few of those...)

Every 6 months they'll have to report and evaluate repairability and make suggestions to improve legislation. The law is constructed in such a way that it can easily be adapted and expanded.

Every quarter they'll evaluate how producers and importers comply to the legislation.

So, yes. It's not much for now but it is a certain step in the right way. They're careful not to overregulate and will evaluate and evolve.

Also, it makes no sense installing legislation if there is no apparatus to maintain and sanction.

I'm mildly optimistic because our government is seldom caught being thoughtful and considerate 🙈