Google Print

Here's a snippet of news about the Google Print program, from Moira Allen's Writing-World e-newsletter:

Publishers say changes in Google Print not enough
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On August 11, Google Print announced changes that will address publishers' objections to its Google Print for Libraries program.
In an online statement, Project Manager Adam Smith said: "We think most publishers and authors will choose to participate in the publisher program in order (to) introduce their work to countless readers around the world. But we know that not everyone agrees, and we want to do our best to respect their views too."
Google is asking publishers to notify the company as to which books they don't want scanned, making the program an opt-out instead of an opt-in. Association of American Publishers (AAP) President Patricia Schroeder responded: "Google's announcement does nothing to relieve the publishing industry's concerns.
Google's procedure shifts the responsibility for preventing infringement to the copyright owner rather than the user, turning every principle of copyright law on its ear." Google plans to scan copyright-protected books from Harvard, Michigan, and Stanford University Presses. Currently they are scanning public domain works at the New York Public Library and Oxford University. Google executives maintain that the project will make it easier for people around the world to read valuable and rare library materials. Publishers fear that making digital versions of copyright books available on the internet could open the door to unauthorized duplication and distribution. Also, so far Google hasn't offered to pay royalties for any potential advertising revenues gained. For more information: http://snipurl.com/gyyc


It's interesting that we're in a period of time where we can observe these negotiations and re-draftings about the use of these new technologies. Both sides have valid arguments. I imagine that back when the printing press was first invented, various interest groups made the same sorts of arguments.