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Acknowledging that publishers are upset with its
intent to
scan library books without necessarily clearing
copyrights with the publishers, Google has
paused the Google Print Library
Project until November. During the interim, Google has invited publishers to opt out of the program. Gracious as this
gesture might be, it makes Google appear to be completely unaware of how copyright works. Copyright
is the opting out of allowing others to make copies. Nothing more is needed. The
responsibility for not copying lies with Google. Exemptions and licenses to copy are granted
upon request on an opt-in basis. It’s inconceivable that Google is unaware of this, so the real message from Google is
this: “We’re going to copy the damn books unless you stop us.” Google is pitching this whole deal as a way to promote
the books and increase readership, all of which I basically agree with. I want there to be a universal library of
fair-use book excerpts online. The problem here is not Google’s mission; it is,
once again, Google’s tin ear for public relations
and palpable arrogance. And aren’t the libraries culpable here, too? They bought the books and lend them, but how is it
they open their doors to an entity that intends to sweep through the stacks copying everything? Shouldn’t the
publishers be pounding on the libraries as much as on Google?
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