As books go

The library nicely anticipates the capture of the World Wide Web with its practice of disseminating knowledge as far as possible. The Library of Alexandria inspired later attempts to capture all information even if it was itself destroyed. It is beyond the average citizen to amass a bookcase to encompass everything; nor even essential works so a central repository can ensure that everyone has a chance to read those key texts.

The reference library has been vital to so many discoveries and breakthroughs and it will be interesting to see how much of this will move online. In the late 2010's we haven't gotten rid of libraries, nor have we turned them wholly digital. There are fewer newsagents and independent booksellers but they still exist and they sell a familiar line.