500k Books Have Been Deleted from the Internet Archive's Lending Library

500,000 books have been removed from the Internet Archive's Open Library due to a lawsuit by big publishers. The Archive operates similarly to a traditional library, purchasing or receiving book donations to lend out digitally. Despite the benefits of increased access to information, publishers sued the Archive, leading to the removal of books upon request. The lawsuit aims to restrict the lending of eBooks, allowing publishers to charge exorbitant prices and control distribution. The Archive's appeal to restore access has been met with resistance. Individuals worldwide have expressed how the removal of books hampers their research and access to knowledge. The lawsuit highlights a broader issue of publishers using copyright and DRM to undermine the concept of libraries. The pricing disparity between physical books and eBooks, with some licenses costing over a thousand dollars, underscores the publishers' efforts to reshape the library landscape. The case signifies a fundamental challenge to the traditional role of libraries in providing equitable access to information.