Googling a good book for free?

Oct 29 2009 by Adam Maxwell, The Journal

THEY try ever so hard, bless them. Not to be evil. But even when they start digitising every book in every library on this plane of existence people just take one look at Google and go – nah, they’re up to something, we can smell it.

Four years ago, when they started, no one knew or perhaps cared what the consequences were but now the project is nearly complete some authors and publishers have realised there may be some issues inherent in having one librarian for the world.

They keep muttering something about Alexandria … The consequences are surprisingly simple; either the whole world will have access to the amassed knowledge of the centuries on their computer or we are facing the largest breach of copyright since… erm - the last internet-induced copyright infringement binge.

For out-of-print and out-of- copyright books this seems fine but what about current books by living authors?

The authors seem to be sticking like Luddites to the outdated notion that they want to be paid for people reading their work.

Cue much legal wrangling and teeth gnashing resulting in a non-evil solution in the Books Rights Registry that will provide payment for their work – hurrah!

I recently visited the newly reopened Newcastle City Library and the building was wonderful.

There were lots of computers and staff that looked like they could help you but the worrying thing to me was that there seemed to be a distinct lack of books.

I like my libraries packed floor to ceiling with every conceivable book on every conceivable subject.

The new library was just so… empty. You’d have thought that 40 million quid could have bought a couple of paperbacks and a few more shelves.

Except that’s the kicker – even if you stack the library floor to ceiling you won’t ever have all the books on all the subjects.

And modern libraries like Newcastle have realised that people want something more.

Many libraries and academic institutions around the world have been helping Google in their task so not everyone is against this possible future.

Imagine – any book ever written at your fingertips. Of course, it’s too late, people, Google has now amassed all the knowledge it is possible to have.

Expect Terminator-style rising of machines before we speak again.

Adam Maxwell is the founder of web design company Superhighwaymen www.superhighwaymen.com