Digitizing Libraries

A 17th century historian wrote that a closed book is but a block. Now four centuries later, technology is giving libraries the ability to open books like never before. Online, to anyone, anywhere.

Boston-area institutions are leading the way. But they differ on how to go digital.

Harvard is teaming up with Google to scan books into computer databases, while the Boston Public Library and others have rejected offers from private companies. The reason: they don't want their digitized books subject to commercial restrictions.

That story now from WBUR Business and Technology Reporter Curt Nickisch.