The Idea behind GOVIA is to create a database of free(as in liberty) media files. The main purpose of GOVIA is to make pictures videos and audio available for teachers to use in lesson plans that they can share with their peers. Most people with some kind of media recorder are capable of going and gathering interesting work that could be used in classrooms today. For example, I live in the Sonoran Desert, It is not hard for me to drive 20 minutes and be able to take pictures of the vegetation that could be used by geography, biology, or any other teachers. What would it cost me? a roll of film, a little travel expense (<$5 US) and nice walk in nature? and what would I get? A feeling that for 1 hour of time I helped an innumerable number of kids learn about where I live, A minor workout and some pictures. Sounds like a great deal to me.

GOVIA itself would be a group of servers storing data that has been approved as being free. These servers would be linked with a sharing scheme similar to that used by napster and other similar applications., However only approved servers would contain data. It is vitally important that the data available from GOVIA be placed under a license that ensures freedom of use. Due to this, People wishing to submit media files will be required to attach a signature to a copy of the free media license to signify that they understand the consequences of offering non-free content.