In a Flood Tide of Digital Data, an Ark Full of Books

David Streitfeld:

RICHMOND, Calif. -- In a wooden warehouse in this industrial suburb, the 20th century is being stored in case of digital disaster.

Forty-foot shipping containers stacked two by two are stuffed with the most enduring, as well as some of the most forgettable, books of the era. Every week, 20,000 new volumes arrive, many of them donations from libraries and universities thrilled to unload material that has no place in the Internet Age.

Destined for immortality one day last week were "American Indian Policy in the 20th Century," "All New Crafts for Halloween," "The Portable Faulkner," "What to Do When Your Son or Daughter Divorces" and "Temptation's Kiss," a romance.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 7, 2012 2:46 AM
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