Online Google Library Go-ahead

[PatchGirl]

The Times Online reports today on controversial plans by Google to digitise millions of out-of-print books to create the world’s biggest online library which have been approved by British publishing groups and authors.

The landmark deal between Google and authors’ associations in America is a watered-down version of the original plans. The new deal will still enable tens of thousands of British writers to profit, as readers can search millions of works, read extracts online and buy full copies.

Yesterday executives from the the Publishers Association and the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), the trade groups that represent the majority of British authors, welcomed the deal. “Undeniably, there’s an element of pragmatism at work here,” said Simon Juden, chief executive of the Publishers Association. “You can argue as to whether this should exist or not. But given that it does, we think that it is the best course to take.”

The ALCS said that more than 20,000 British authors, whose books formed part of the service, could profit. Authors will receive a lump sum of at least $60 for allowing digital copies of their books to be made. They will then receive the majority of proceeds from any online sales via Google Books and also get about two thirds from other online book sales. Google will take the rest.

Does this spell the beginning of the end for traditional books? OK, at the moment the plan is solely for out-of-print books, but what does the future hold?