Since the 1950s, some of the world's greatest libraries have, as a matter of common practice, dismantled their collections of original bound newspapers and books, replacing them with microfilmed copies. The originals, often irreplaceable, are cut up to be sold as birthday gifts or are pulped. 

In this passionately argued book, Nicholson Baker reveals the real motives behind the dismantling of our recorded heritage. The libraries argue that paper is too fragile to be stored in their archives; Baker shows us that paper can be properly stored for years, that microfilm also deteriorates, and that libraries are under budgetary pressure to save space. 

The players include the British Library, the Library of Congress, the CIA, NASA, microfilm lobbyists, newspaper dealers and a colourful array of librarians, collectors and digital futurists, as well as Baker himself -- who eventually discovers that the only way to save one important newspaper archive being disposed of is to buy it himself. 

Condition: Pre-loved book. Moderate yellowing of pages.

Format: Paperback
Year published: 2002
Pages: 370
Sub-genre: Non-fiction
Imprint: Vintage