The distribution of the galleries is invariable. Twenty shelves, five long shelves This passage from Jose Luis Borges’ "The An article in today’s Boston Coverage from the Boston The universe (which others call the Library) is composed of an indefinite and perhaps infinite number of hexagonal galleries, with vast air shafts between, surrounded by very low railings. From any of the hexagons one can see, interminably, the upper … Continue reading ![](\"http:\/\/cyber.law.harvard.edu\/blogs\/static\/dowbrigade\/bbabell.jpg\")
The universe (which others call the Library) is composed of an indefinite and
\n perhaps infinite number of hexagonal galleries, with vast air shafts between,
\n surrounded by very low railings. From any of the hexagons one can see, interminably,
\n the upper and lower floors.<\/p>\n
\nper side, cover all the sides except two; their height, which is the distance
\nfrom floor to ceiling, scarcely exceeds that of a normal bookcase. One of the
\nfree sides leads to a narrow hallway which opens onto another gallery, identical
\nto the first and to all the rest….<\/em><\/p>\n
\n Library of Babel<\/a>" has always inspired us to imagine the Ultimate
\n Library, with all of human knowledge and wisdom collected, preserved,
\n intensively cross-referenced
\n and instantly available to anyone, anywhere and at any time.<\/p>\n
\n Globe<\/a> by Harvard librarian
\n Matthew Battle reminded us of this dream, as well as of our own favorite
\n Harvard librarian, that Bloggin’ Fool j (she of the Scratchpad<\/a>):<\/p>\n\n
\n of Google’s agreement, announced this month, with a host of major research
\n libraries
\n (including
\n Harvard’s, where I work) to digitize their collections and make
\n them available on the Internet, might lead one to believe that we have
\n entered a final phase in the long-sought emergence of a universal library
\n –
\n a compendium of knowledge at once comprehensive, densely cross-referenced,
\n and instantly accessible.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n Globe<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"