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On the other hand, the book can only be in one place and read by one person at a time.

People may not even know the book exists or that it contains the information they want. Obtaining access to a copy may be very difficult, even if it is not particularly rare. The AI is much more accessible.

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Then find a way to make them digitally available, verbatim, like Google Books attempted to do. I'm sure with the power that AI companies have they can have legislation amended to make it happen.

You're defending the indefensible here.

Lol, as if they can just get copyright reform passed because they asked nicely for it.

They can't legally publish the digital copies, and you know it. Training is fair use but direct copies are not.

You are defending something that makes no sense. If you want to get mad at something get mad at copyright law.

That copyright law is a mess doesn't mean that companies that buy up rare books, destroy them, and keep the contents locked up are beyond criticism for their actions.

They don't have to scan and destroy these books, it's an entirely voluntary choice.

Name the rare book.

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