David G. Tompkins speaks about his book, Composing the Party Line: Music and Politics in Early Cold War Poland and East Germany, published by Purdue University Press.

Why did you agree to allow your book to be included in the Knowledge Unlatched Pilot?

I am thrilled at the prospect of my book reaching a wider scholarly audience.

What are your hopes for your book, and do you think Open Access will play a role in achieving them?

I hope that my book will reach a wide audience of scholars, graduate students, advanced undergraduates, as well as the general public interested in the cultural Cold War, and feel certain that this initiative will help the book reach these readers.

What do your friends/colleagues think about your decision to allow your book to be made available for free under a CC licence?

Excitement combined with a tinge of envy!

Do you think that making your book available on an Open Access licence will increase its reach and impact?

Yes, very much so.

How do you think your dream reader might find your book?

S/he will see a review or reference to the book, will google the title, and then will come across it through the KU website.

Were you interested in Open Access before you became aware of the Knowledge Unlatched pilot?

Yes, I have used Omeka for student online exhibitions, and have worked to find open access materials for these assignments.

David G. Tompkins' Composing the Party Line: Music and Politics in Early Cold War Poland and East Germany as well as 27 other titles are available through our Pilot Collection.