Online Libraries
Yesterday’s NYT had an interesting article on libraries refusing to sign deals with Google and Microsoft to digitize their books. Instead, they’re contracting with the Open Content Alliance, a non-profit run by Brewster Kahle, of Internet Archive fame.
As the story goes, libraries who are signing with Google and Microsoft to digitize their collections often agree to restrictions including books only being available through one search engine. The Open Content Alliance’s idea is to have a more open and collaborative process where books will be available to everyone.
Speaking of Google Books, have you taken a look at it lately? It provides access not only to out of copyright works (published prior to 1922) but excerpts from copyrighted works. I believe it has the potential to bring students back to books … For background and history, look here.
