A rising conflict is developing between Google’s new library project and the authors of the titles being scanned into the database.

The crux of the argument is that Google is scanning in selected portions of copyrighted books from the libraries of such institutions as Harvard, Stanford and Michigan University for inclusion into a searchable database.

The owners of the copyrights to many of these volumes are saying this is a clear infringement, whereas Google argues the database will only contain “snippets” of each book with the intent of “...help[ing] you find (books)-to help you discover them.” Google compares the database to a giant card catalog.

The authors were not buying it.

Having known some of the authors of scientific volumes found upon the very shelves in question, and knowing the frequency with which those specific volumes are checked out, I agree with Google’s claim that, “...those suing the company just wanted a piece of the profit pie.” Not a lot of money in a 500 page textbook addressing the research of Hurricane Roessler waves.

Personally, I think Google’s database is a step in the right direction. The ability to peruse an entire University library, including enough samples from the book to determine whether it has the needed information, would be an incredible boon to independent research. Next step...the ability to check out a complete digital copy.