SEW points to a PDF copy of the Google Print agreement with the University of Michigan to digitize materials in the UofM library. google Print for Libraries has whipped up controversy and protest6s from publishers worked up over Google's apparent intent to digitize books without striking agreements with the publishers. In that context, the OWNERSHIP AND USE OF DIGITAL COPIES AND SERVICES section on page 3 is most interesting. A serious attempt to cope with regulatory issues is made, first, by distinguishing between public domain and copyrighted material. The document by no means assures that Google will keep its hands off the latter. However, there is language compelling Google to ensure authorization to digitize "by relevant copyright holders or by law."
1. It seems to me that Google ("First do no harm") has amassed extraordinary power. Mere mortals like me (and copyright holders) could easily be squashed by the Google train. Who knows what's next?
Small Business Search Marketing blog
Posted at 4:42AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Gregg Kell