Google vows to restart Print project

Google has confirmed that the Print programme will not allow people to view a book's entire contents

Publishers that thought Google had scrapped its plans to digitise the world's libraries had better think again.

The search giant has confirmed on its blog that it will restart scanning "soon" albeit concentrating its efforts on books that are unique to libraries, including many public domain books, orphaned works and out-of-print titles. 

Google imposed a moratorium on scanning books in August following complaints by publishers and copyright holders. The company claimed that it was providing time for copyright holders to opt out of the programme.

The blog posting said that Google has been successful in working with independent publishers through an initiative that invites publishers to submit their work to be indexed.

It also confirmed that the print programme would not allow people to view a book's entire contents.

"Our digital card catalogue will let people discover these books through Google search, see their bibliographic information, view short snippets related to their queries (never the full text), and offer links to places where they can buy the book or find it in a local library," stated Google.

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) sued Google on 19 October claiming that it was infringing copyrights by scanning entire books.

Despite Google's recent assurances, the AAP remains on the offensive. It put out a statement saying that it will stand by its lawsuit asking that Google not copy books without the permission of copyright owners.

The AAP filed the suit on behalf of five of its members: the McGraw-Hill Com panies, Pearson Education, Penguin Group (USA), Simon & Schuster, and John Wiley & Sons.