I'm imagining that some of you may know about the Internet Archive. This wonderful resource has for years made out-of-print books and books in the public domain available via its portal. I've been especially appreciative of its works of local history, county histories, town histories, family genealogies, etc.
However, in the past two weeks, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, they have started to digitize thousands and thousands of books, whether they are in the public domain or NOT. Loads and loads of books still held under copyright. Books that are fiction, nonfiction, and books that you may want to read.
I searched for Mary Stewart books, since we've just been talking about her. And for free, I was able to borrow Airs above the Ground, her suspense novel set in Austria. I have read it, but it was fun to see what this is all about.
Sorry to say, though--these digital images are created from print hardcover books. Not as legible by an means as the quality you expect from a regular ebook you purchase. Still readable, mostly, but there it is.
This development has publishers and authors all aflutter and damn mad, as you can imagine.
But note, Internet Archive is not digitizing works that have been published within the past five years.
And it contends that this is an Emergency Measure, available only until June 30th, while there are no libraries in the U.S. that are open and while students are struggling to find resources for their coursework.
I think Internet Archive is pressing the envelope, as loads of people, especially academics, are pushing and pushing for open access for all, and are, to make a point, stretching the limits of copyright infringement to make a point.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
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I didn't know anything about this, Judith, all very interesting. I have a clutch of Mary Stewart books to read too. I read her Merlin trilogy in my twenties or thirties and was absolutely captivated. More recently I've read a couple of her 'thrillery' type books which for some reason I didn't read when I was younger. I have several lined up now for the European challenge one year.
ReplyDeleteI simply loved the Merlin Trilogy. Couldn't get enough! Stewart's books are great for the European Challenge. The only romantic suspense novel Stewart wrote that didn't grab me was The Moon Spinners, which is interesting because I found Walt Disney's movie version starring Hayley Mills quite captivating when it came out. 1960s. Did you see that one?
DeleteSome of Stewart's best are set in England and Scotland, so don't miss those as well.
I'll be honest I can't remember whether I've ever seen The Moon Spinners. I suspect I have because I'm from the generation that saw all the old movies on TV and have a lot of fond memories of them. Whistle Down the Wind is the only Hayley Mills film I remember well... oh and the twins one. Can't remember the title now.
DeleteTouch Not the Cat is one of the other MS books I've read, I thought there were more but now I'm not sure as I can't find any others reviewed on my blog.
I read about this subject, Judith, and I did not really understand who was doing what or what the issue was. So I am glad you explained it here.
ReplyDeleteI was mystified when I first heard about it, then I studied it up and realized what was going on. It's so interesting that Internet Archive, a non-profit, is so successfully taking advantage of the "emergency" to do something they probably wished they could do for a long time. I can understand why some authors are fuming, and organizations that represent authors' rights. But right now it is, shall I say kind of fun???, to see the debate rage.
DeleteWow, this is good to know. Thanks, Judith!
ReplyDeleteHi JoAnn,
DeleteI know you are likely out of your mind busy right now, but if you find you do search for interesting books on Internet Archive, and if you are able, do share with us. It's kind of interesting...Wishing you the very best with your MOVE!!!