Google Won't Dominate Book Search

Despite the hubbub generated by a New York Times report, the world of book digitization doesn't start and end with Google, or even the participation of Microsoft and Yahoo in the Open Content Alliance. Some libraries won't choose to go with one of the massive Internet players for book scanning, as the Resource Shelf blog, after a brief chat with Murdok.

In brief, there are many digitization projects in place. No one organization should be able to control the playing field. Some efforts predate Google and the OCA's forays into scanning.

Gary expressed surprise that the Times made no mention of Online Books Page at the University of Pennsylvania, listing over 25,000 books.

"It's one thing to scan books, but another to make them 'findable'," said Gary. Digitization is just one point in the process. Organization and quick access pose significant challenges, too.

Even with its resources and skill, Google can't become a chokepoint for public domain works, due to the duplication of efforts that have taken place. Gary offered

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