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World's largest open library calls for volunteers to scan and preserve physical books as AI companies buy, scan, and destroy them — Anna's Archive says ‘time is running out’ as ‘knowledge is permanent (www.tomshardware.com)
submitted 1 month ago by themachinestops@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/technology@lemmy.world
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cross-posted from: https://kbin.earth/m/piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com/t/3120649

As AI tech companies increasingly buy and destroy books to feed to their AI models, Anna's Archive is calling for volunteers to help preserve them for the public record.

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[-] vala@lemmy.dbzer0.com 15 points 1 month ago

I own some rare books but no book scanner. What should I do?

[-] tb_@lemmy.world 20 points 1 month ago

Those who want to conduct large-scale scans and upload many titles can reach out to the archive for support, as the archive says that it “can help pay for the scanning fees and other rewards.”

[-] vala@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 1 month ago

Hmm, it's just a few books but I do think they're pretty rare. Not something I'm willing to send away. I wonder if a library would be willing to help?

[-] njordomir@lemmy.world 13 points 1 month ago

My local library has some large format scanners. I've considered using them to do my photo albums. I have the individual photos scanned and backed up, but the layout and margin notes are worth preserving also.

[-] chiliedogg@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

If you've got some comfort with tinkering:

https://www.diybookscanner.org/

[-] TimeNaan@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Super outdated and the guide doesn't work

[-] Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 month ago

If your local library doesn't own a book scanner, any colleges near you may have one. You usually don't have to be a student to walk into the library, and the book scanners I've used don't require a login. YMMV on whether this is how it's set up where you are.

[-] vala@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 month ago

I might try this. Im concerned that some of the books may still be under copyright. Not all of my rare books are that old. I collect indie poetry books and comics as well as old religious texts/pamphlets.

Also concerned that some might be literally some of the only remaining copies and I really don't want to risk damaging them.

this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2026
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