• A digital version of a book -- especially a rare one, printed centuries ago -- is not a replacement for the hard copy.
  
  Not only has printed paper proved a durable technology, but there is also much to be gained by visiting the libraries, examining the actual books and entering into discussions with librarians and other researchers.
  
  Gaining access to a digital reproduction of an older text makes it easier to take a first step, but little good research will be done simply sitting alone in front of a computer screen.
  

- NYT Letter to the editor (12/16/2004)