The Fight Continues

Today’s lower court decision in Hachette v. Internet Archive is a blow to all libraries and the communities we serve. This decision impacts libraries across the US who rely on controlled digital lending to connect their patrons with books online. It hurts authors by saying that unfair licensing models are the only way their books can be … Read more

How Can You Help The Internet Archive? (A Repost)

In June of 2020, facing a range of challenges, we posted a host of information about how you could help the Internet Archive through difficult and pressing times. Pretty much all of the suggestions and links in that essay still hold up and are relevant this month as well, and we are the Historical Web people, so … Read more

Don’t Delete Our Books! Rally

For those asking how you can support the Internet Archive, there will be a rally on the steps of the Internet Archive on Saturday, April 8 @ 11am PT. Learn more & sign up Reposted from https://actionnetwork.org/events/dont-delete-our-books-rally-in-san-francisco Rally for the digital future of libraries! The nonprofit Internet Archive is appealing a judgment that threatens the future of all … Read more

New Feature Alert: Access Archived Webpages Directly Through Google Search

In a significant step forward for digital preservation, Google Search is now making it easier than ever to access the past. Starting today, users everywhere can view archived versions of webpages directly through Google Search, with a simple link to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine. How It Works To access this new feature, conduct a search … Read more

Early life and education

Rolph was born on 4 March 1793, in Thornbury, Gloucestershire.[1] His father was Thomas Rolph, a surgeon from Grovesend.[2] His mother was Frances Petty. Rolph was their fourth child and eldest surviving son. He was baptized at Seyntemaryes parish church.[3] He moved to Cambridge in 1809 to study law and medicine at St John’s College, Cambridge, then transferred to the Inner Temple, London, … Read more

Vanishing Culture: Preserving African Folktales

The following interview with African folklore scholars Laura Gibbs and Helen Nde is part of our Vanishing Culture series, highlighting the power and importance of preservation in our digital age. Selections from Laura Gibbs’ “A Reader’s Guide to African Folktales at the Internet Archive“ Crafting and sharing folktales by word or performance is a long-standing tradition on … Read more

Supporters Rally For Library Digital Rights on the Steps of the Internet Archive

More than one hundred supporters gathered on the steps of the Internet Archive last Saturday to rally support for our library in the face of a judgment that threatens the digital future of all libraries.  Digital rights advocate Lia Holland of Fight for the Future read from the letter signed by Neil Gaiman, Naomi A. Klein, Chuck Wendig, Karen Joy Fowler, Cory Doctorow and more than 1,000 additional … Read more

Generative AI Meets Open Culture

How can public interest values shape the future of AI? With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), there has been increasing interest in how AI can be used in the description, preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. While AI promises immense benefits, it also raises important ethical considerations. WATCH SESSION RECORDING: https://archive.org/embed/generative-ai-meets-open-culture In this … Read more