- 1. In 'Double Fold: Libraries and the Assault on Paper', Nicholson Baker presents a compelling and thought-provoking critique of the growing trend among libraries and archives to destroy original printed works in favor of digitization and microfilm preservation. Baker, an avid bibliophile and a passionate advocate for the physicality of literature, delves into the historical significance of paper and the cultural implications of its destruction. He eloquently argues that the tactile experience of reading a book, the unique characteristics of paper as a medium, and the intrinsic value of original documents are being sacrificed in the name of efficiency and technological advancement. Through meticulous research, personal anecdotes, and powerful rhetoric, Baker highlights the detrimental effects of this obsession with digitization, calling for a reevaluation of our relationship with printed materials and a renewed appreciation for the past. His narrative weaves together stories of libraries discarding centuries-old manuscripts, the tragic fate of rare books, and the fundamental importance of the material form of texts, ultimately urging readers to recognize the fragility of cultural heritage and the irreplaceable nature of the printed word.
What preservation method does Baker particularly criticize?
A) Microfilming
B) Digital scanning
C) Acid-free paper storage
D) Climate-controlled vaults
- 2. What test do libraries use to justify discarding original materials?
A) Double fold test
B) Ink stability test
C) Acid content test
D) Binding strength test
- 3. Which major library institution receives the most criticism in the book?
A) British Library
B) Library of Congress
C) New York Public Library
D) Harvard University Library
- 4. What does Baker argue is lost when originals are destroyed?
A) Monetary value of first editions
B) Copyright protections
C) Library shelf space
D) Historical evidence and physical artifacts
- 5. What organization did Baker found in response to his research?
A) Digital Preservation Society
B) American Newspaper Repository
C) Historical Documents Foundation
D) Library Reform Coalition
- 6. What aspect of microfilm does Baker find inadequate?
A) Difficulty in storage
B) Limited lifespan of the film
C) Poor reproduction quality and missing details
D) High cost of production
- 7. What does 'double fold' refer to in library preservation?
A) A bookbinding technique
B) A digital scanning process
C) A test folding paper to measure brittleness
D) A method of storing folded newspapers
- 8. What color information is lost in microfilm reproduction?
A) Only black ink variations
B) All color information
C) Only blue and green
D) Only red tones
- 9. What is Baker's professional background?
A) Librarian
B) Historian
C) Architect
D) Novelist and essayist
- 10. What do libraries claim as the main reason for microfilming?
A) Cost reduction
B) Space saving and preservation
C) Improved accessibility
D) Copyright protection
- 11. What does Baker argue about the longevity of original materials?
A) They deteriorate immediately
B) They last longer than claimed
C) They contain toxic chemicals
D) They are fire hazards
- 12. What year was 'Double Fold' published?
A) 2001
B) 2005
C) 1995
D) 2010
- 13. What type of material was often destroyed after microfilming?
A) Personal letters
B) Government documents
C) Newspapers
D) Medieval manuscripts
- 14. What chemical problem affects microfilm?
A) Vinegar syndrome
B) Oxidation
C) Acid migration
D) Fungal growth
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