The world’s library on my desktop

An article in this month’s Prospect magazine about Google’s online library project deserves serious attention.

In just three years’ time, Google.com is set to reveal the world’s largest online library, which will make 15 million books available in a digital format. Using web searching techniques, these books can be cross-searched, citations can be linked etc etc. In fact, a prototype – called the ‘google book search’ – is already available.

Sounds great, I hear you say. No more trudging to the library, only to discover the book you want is out on loan. But there’s a catch: these services don’t come cheap.

Although Google is making much of its collaborative ‘digitisation projects’ with Stanford and Oxford Universities, users will ultimately have to pay expensive subscriptions to get full access to the online books. Some revenue will go back to the original source. But I wonder if these venerable institutions have really thought through the implications.

While, in principle, making the world’s libraries available online is an incredible idea, I fear it may only serve to limit access to knowledge to those who can afford it.

Comments

[Des]

Hi,

The growth of google is getting a bit scary in a monopolistic sense. But thats just my impression. What are your thoughts?

[ch.santakar]

Nothing could replace the joy of reading a book turning pages physically . While I welcome the availability of books on line , it should not be thought of replacing the book itself. Keep going to the nearby libraries and lets search the Truth lying in the self .
with regards
ch.santakar
koraput
osissa, India

[Tezera Getahun]

The Google's project is impressive to enhance access to books, but it shouldn't impair access to knowledge due to high fee. I agree with the idea that says the project may not replace the book itself, but increase only its availability in space and time.

Tezera Getahun
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

[Rina Mukherji]

I am doubtful whether the euphoria booklovers share concerning digitisation is justified at all. I do not think this will translate into a more easier availability of information either. The projects are clearly driven by commercial considerations and meant to enhance the sales of publishing houses.

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