Information Policy for the Library of Babel

Maryland Journal of Business and Technology Law, November 2007

NYLS Legal Studies Research Paper No. 07/08-6

19 Pages Posted: 8 Sep 2007

Abstract

The image of Borges's Library of Babel, which contains all possible books, is haunting and suggestive. This essay asks what we would do if we were advising a Federal Library Commission on how to deal with the Library's vast holdings and overwhelming disorganization. This thought exercise provides a set of sensible principles for information policy in an age of extreme informational abundance.

Keywords: Library of Babel, search engine, Google

Suggested Citation

Grimmelmann, James and Grimmelmann, James, Information Policy for the Library of Babel. Maryland Journal of Business and Technology Law, November 2007, NYLS Legal Studies Research Paper No. 07/08-6, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1012065

James Grimmelmann (Contact Author)

Cornell Tech ( email )

2 West Loop Road
New York, NY 10044
United States

Cornell Law School ( email )

Myron Taylor Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-4901
United States

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