Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Google Book Search Settlement

The Google Book Search lawsuit has apparently been settled. See http://books.google.com/googlebooks/agreement/ Implications for libraries? See Google's version:
  • "We'll...be offering libraries, universities and other organizations the ability to purchase institutional subscriptions, which will give users access to the complete text of millions of titles while compensating authors and publishers for the service. Students and researchers will have access to an electronic library that combines the collections from many of the top universities across the country. Public and university libraries in the U.S. will also be able to offer terminals where readers can access the full text of millions of out-of-print books for free."

My question: cost of the subscription for my library? Access to the collection...will it really be limited to a "terminal" in the library? What about e-book readers like the Kindle or home access? How can this e-collection be integrated into the catalog?

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