Double Fold by Nicholson Baker
- 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) Digital scanning
B) Climate-controlled vaults
C) Acid-free paper storage
D) Microfilming
- 2. What test do libraries use to justify discarding original materials?
A) Binding strength test
B) Acid content test
C) Ink stability test
D) Double fold test
- 3. Which major library institution receives the most criticism in the book?
A) New York Public Library
B) Library of Congress
C) Harvard University Library
D) British Library
- 4. What does Baker argue is lost when originals are destroyed?
A) Monetary value of first editions
B) Copyright protections
C) Historical evidence and physical artifacts
D) Library shelf space
- 5. What organization did Baker found in response to his research?
A) American Newspaper Repository
B) Digital Preservation Society
C) Library Reform Coalition
D) Historical Documents Foundation
- 6. What aspect of microfilm does Baker find inadequate?
A) Poor reproduction quality and missing details
B) Limited lifespan of the film
C) Difficulty in storage
D) High cost of production
- 7. What does 'double fold' refer to in library preservation?
A) A test folding paper to measure brittleness
B) A digital scanning process
C) A bookbinding technique
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 red tones
D) Only blue and green
- 9. What is Baker's professional background?
A) Architect
B) Novelist and essayist
C) Librarian
D) Historian
- 10. What do libraries claim as the main reason for microfilming?
A) Cost reduction
B) Copyright protection
C) Space saving and preservation
D) Improved accessibility
- 11. What does Baker argue about the longevity of original materials?
A) They deteriorate immediately
B) They are fire hazards
C) They contain toxic chemicals
D) They last longer than claimed
- 12. What year was 'Double Fold' published?
A) 2001
B) 2010
C) 1995
D) 2005
- 13. What type of material was often destroyed after microfilming?
A) Newspapers
B) Medieval manuscripts
C) Personal letters
D) Government documents
- 14. What chemical problem affects microfilm?
A) Acid migration
B) Oxidation
C) Vinegar syndrome
D) Fungal growth
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