Google Book Settlement
The Google Books Settlement is a big deal for libraries. In fact, it may have more long-term impact on the future of libraries, especially here in the United States, than any other policy issue now before the courts, Congress, or even local or state funding agencies. That’s a big claim – what is behind it?
Briefly put, the Google Books Settlement, even as currently modified, could significantly alter the landscape for gaining access to books. It could also change the landscape for patron privacy in a way that libraries would have no control over. And it could provide control over access to millions of works in the hands of a single body of unelected and unaccountable people. Here are some sites that can provide useful information on both the general intellectual freedom issues and on potential effects on libraries and our patrons.
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2009/november2009/revisedgoogle111809.cfm
http://www.openbookalliance.org/2009/11/is-the-google-settlement-worth-the-wait/
