Google Book Search: Value-Added or Added Hype?
Begun in late 2004 as the Google Library Print Project, and now called Google Book Search, Google’s latest endeavor has received a great deal of attention in recent months, particularly with regard to copyright concerns. In this paper, however, the focus is on the practical aspects of Google Book Search, as opposed to the legal aspects. Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of Google Book Search with those of the library catalog, this paper seeks to answer the following questions: Does Google Book Search add value to the traditional book? If so, what is that value and how does it enhance the user experience? What lessons can Google teach the library, and vice versa? The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential implications for the future of the library.
Keywords: Google Book Search
Jaena Hollingsworth
IMLS Fellow, University of Alabama
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Ref: B06P0198