The book is a critical examination of the practice of libraries in the United States, which, in the name of preservation, have been systematically destroying original newspapers and books to replace them with microfilmed copies. The author argues that this process, far from saving the material, often results in the loss of valuable information and the tactile experience of reading. He also criticizes the library community for its uncritical acceptance of new technologies and its failure to question the implications of these practices.
The 10301st greatest book of all time
