Google Library Project

(Source: Newyorker)

Google Library Project confronted opposition by publisher who worried their profit will be thin out; since Google scan books from seven major universities library and make them available online for user. After both parties settle the infringement issue in the court, Google decide to publish only 20% of books content and allows publisher to choose publish on internet or not. (Harris, 2012)

In my opinion, the finals result is seemed to be ‘fair’ for both parties. At Google site, Google can enrich its database by adding on books from seven university library. And its user will be able to obtain more information. Furthermore, by displaying 20% of the book’s contain is consider reasonable ‘fair use’ in this case. Fair use do not have an absolute word limit, it is all depend on the circumstances. (Nolo, 2013)

Although, some may argue that Google’s action is tended to have more commercial intention. However, if the commercial motive is going to benefit the general public it can still possible to claim fair use. (Nolo, 2013) Google scan all those books and make them digitalize. It is searchable now, therefore it really bring benefit for public who want to know more about the books before purchase.

On the other hand, the publishers now are able to choose whether they wanted Google to digitalize their books or not. Publishers can utilize Google to reach more target audiences as people now can easily accessed to the book content through internet all over the world; Google has a large number of customer base. Besides that by displaying 20% of the books contain can arouse viewers’ interest and probably stimulate purchases. It is still a benefit for the publishers.

Google is not only the search engine company who doing this, Yahoo and Microsoft is following closely. Microsoft will digitize 100,000 volumes from British Library while Yahoo will post digitized works from University of California and so on. (Band, 2006) Thus, Google Library project have to be imperative because if Google failed to do it well, Yahoo and Microsoft will have the chance to dominate the search engine market. 

References:

1. Band, J, 2006, The Google Library Project: Both sides of the story. [online] Available at: <http://quod.lib.umich.edu/p/plag/5240451.0001.002?rgn=main;view=fulltext> [Accessed 10 June 2013]

2.  Harris, P, 2012, Google reaches Library Project settlement in court case with publishers. [online] Available at: <http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/oct/04/google-library-project-settlement-court-case-publishers> [Accessed 10 June 2013]

3, Nolo, 2013, the ‘fair use’ rule: when use of copyrighted material is acceptable. [online] Available at: <http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/fair-use-rule-copyright-material-30100.html> [Accessed 10 June 2013]