Understanding Biblioclasts: The Destructive Force in Libraries

Biblioclast (from Greek: βιβλίον, biblion, "book" and κλαστός, klastos, "breaker") is a term used in library and information science to describe a person who destroys or damages books or other forms of media. The term is often used in a derogatory manner to describe individuals who intentionally harm or destroy books, often for ideological or political reasons.

Biblioclasts may engage in various forms of book destruction, such as tearing pages, cutting out sections, or even burning the books. In some cases, biblioclasts may be motivated by a desire to suppress information or ideas that they consider dangerous or subversive.

The term "biblioclast" is often contrasted with "bibliophile," which refers to a person who loves and collects books. While bibliophiles cherish and protect books, biblioclasts seek to destroy them.