Stanford University Library Digitized For Google Book Search

by amyellensoden | February 3, 2010 at 04:05 pm

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Many are divided over the Google Book Search initiative which aims to create the largest online library. While some believe that digitizing all of these books is a direct copywrite violation, others believe that the revenue split between the rights holder and Google offers a fair compromise. While many institutions and individual writers are hesitant to join in the Google Book Search initiative, other such as Stanford University are willing to offer up their books to be digitized.

As of today, Stanford University has offered millions of their books to be digitized as part of Google Book Search. This agreement serves as an expansion of an earlier deal reached between both Google and Stanford. Amidst all of the legal controversy, Stanford University has agreed to have its entire University library digitized.

Google Books would carry "substantial extracts" of books that are out of print but still within copyright, with US buyers then paying to download the title in full. Revenue generated would be split, with 63% going to the rights holder and the rest to Google. Although only US consumers will be able to use this service, the titles include works published in Britain, Canada and Australia as well as the US.

Writers had the opportunity to opt out of Google Book Search by January 28, 2010. Authors such as Philip Pullman have already chosen not to partake in the move towards a large online library. There is concern among some writers that the library, while currently in Google's possession, may switch hands over time. Others believe this is a positive move towards greater accessibility for books that are either out of print or difficult to come by.