Rebuilding the Library of Alexandria

The New Yorker: Google's Moon Shot

I know Google Book Search and all its associated controversy is nothing new, but
1) I'm an idiot and did not realize The New Yorker was largely available for free online
-and-
2) This is the best write up on the subject I've read--they even quote Lawrence Lessig!

The search works marvelously--a query for an 1860s book of Bolivian travel photography I found by accident in the uni's library once upon a time turned up some very relevant results--for free download in compact pdf form! Since these books were long out of copyright, this was of no legal concern. Similarly, currently in print books offered links to points-of-purchase like Amazon.com.

Now, according to the magazine, "Approximately twenty per cent of all books are in the public domain; these include books that were never copyrighted, like government publications, and works whose copyrights have expired, like “Moby-Dick.” Google has simply copied such books and made them available on the Web. Roughly ten per cent of books are copyrighted and in print—that is, actively being sold by publishers. Many of these books are covered by Google’s arrangement with its publisher partners, which allows the company to scan and display parts of the works." That leaves 70% of books in a hazy realm of legality--not in print, but still within copyright (and on top of this, what about books once out of copyright now back in after legal extensions?). Wherein lies the legal solution to this dilemma? And is the legal solution the just one for all parties involved? What constitutes fair use? Personally, I feel that the dilemma should be resolved with a compromise that generally concedes to Google's arguments. While pdfs are compact, they will not disrupt the book industry in the same fashion as the internet has disrupted the music and movie industries. They simply are not as readable for large quantities of information such as is present in books. Google's service offers a powerful tool for both consumers and publishers. But there is always the fear of the new.

Additionally, the book search introduces new complexities to Google's core competencies in the search arena. The network of authorship influence and relationship cannot be as easily mapped as the mesh of hyperlinks that ties together the world wide web. Google's engineers must solve complex problems around the best methods to develop the most effective search model. And again, as the magazine points out, Google has disappointed before with other search models--Froogle and the original Google Video most notable among them.

These two issues converge as legal barriers to entry indicate the Google may remain the only player in the field, creating steep financial barriers to entry for any competitors in the market that might introduce a more innovative and compelling model. The New Yorker generally states all of this in a more compelling fashion than this rush post, and I highly suggest reviewing the article.