Double Fold

Double Fold examines the widespread destruction of print materials by American libraries during the microfilming initiatives of the late 20th century. The book traces Baker's investigation into the fate of thousands of books and newspapers that were discarded after being transferred to microfilm format. Baker challenges the scientific validity of the "double fold test" used by libraries to determine paper degradation, and documents his efforts to save original print materials from destruction. His research exposes the role of various institutions and government agencies in promoting the replacement of paper collections with microfilm. The book presents evidence about preservation methods, paper chemistry, and library science while making a case for maintaining original print materials in their physical form. It includes detailed accounts of specific newspaper and book collections that were affected by microfilming programs. The narrative raises fundamental questions about cultural preservation and institutional responsibility, exploring the tension between technological progress and historical conservation. Baker's work stands as a critique of modernization efforts that prioritize space and efficiency over the preservation of original artifacts.

Readers describe Double Fold as an investigative exposé of libraries' decisions to destroy original newspapers and books in favor of microfilm. Many reviews note Baker's passionate, detailed research and clear writing style that makes technical preservation issues accessible. Readers appreciated: - Thorough documentation and primary sources - Personal interviews with librarians and preservation experts - Clear explanation of preservation technology - Compelling arguments about cultural heritage Common criticisms: - One-sided perspective that vilifies librarians - Repetitive examples and belaboring of points - Lack of practical solutions for preservation - Oversimplified view of library budget constraints Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ ratings) Several reviewers called it "eye-opening" regarding preservation practices. One librarian reviewer noted it "made me question standard practices," while another criticized Baker for "not understanding real-world storage limitations."

The Library: A Fragile History by Andrew Pettegree The book chronicles libraries' complex relationship with book preservation through history, exploring institutional decisions that have led to both preservation and loss of cultural heritage.

Paper: Paging Through History by Mark Kurlansky This work traces paper's evolution from invention to digital age, examining preservation challenges and the medium's cultural significance in ways that illuminate Baker's concerns.

The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time by Keith Houston The text details book construction, materials, and preservation methods across centuries, providing context for debates about maintaining physical printed matter.

When We Are No More: How Digital Memory Is Shaping Our Future by Abby Smith Rumsey The book examines how different storage methods impact cultural memory, connecting to Baker's questions about microfilm and digital preservation.

Burning the Books: A History of the Deliberate Destruction of Knowledge by Richard Ovenden The work documents historical instances of knowledge destruction and preservation, paralleling Baker's investigation of library preservation decisions.

🔍 The "Double Fold" test used by libraries to determine paper brittleness was deeply flawed - it involved folding paper corners back and forth until they broke, regardless of the paper's actual condition or durability. 📚 Baker personally spent $26,000 to purchase and save a collection of rare 19th-century newspapers from the British Library that were slated for destruction after microfilming. 📰 During the microfilming era (1950s-1990s), approximately 975,000 volumes of American newspapers were destroyed or deaccessioned by libraries nationwide. 🏛️ The Library of Congress disposed of 60,000 volumes of original newspapers, including its complete collection of New York World papers, after creating microfilm copies in the 1950s. 💡 Many of the microfilm copies created during this period have themselves degraded or become unreadable, while some of the "brittle" original papers they replaced have survived in perfectly readable condition for over a century.