The Guardian reports on an ill-advised and hastily-implemented "de-accessioning" program
at The Octagon library at Queen Mary, University of London, in Mile End, east London.

'This is a crass display of philistinism,' said one staff member. 'There are books dating back to the 18th century, there are first editions, there are copies of Voltaire.'

Another lecturer looking through a skip said: 'This is sacrilege. Look at all these books that are being thrown away without any thought. It is shocking.'