SOG-UK-L Archives

Archiver > SOG-UK > 2002-06 > 1023266444


From: "Colin Mills" <>
Subject: Re: [SoG] AGM
Date: Wed, 05 Jun 2002 08:40:44 +0000


John Clare writes:
>There only needs to be one library in the last analysis.
>On the internet.

I really don't think the idea of a single Internet-based library is
feasible. Not because it would be impossible to scan material - if the
Society had enough money - but because it would require all members to have
a suitable connection and suitable equipment at their end, and more
important because scanned versions cannot take the place of the originals.

If you want some idea of why the latter objection applies, read "Double
Fold: Libraries and the Assault on Paper" by Nicholson Baker; London:
Vintage, 2002. Even if Baker is not completely or even largely right, he
still has a pretty powerful argument.

Regards, Colin Mills
Amersham


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