SLA has signed on to join the newly formed Open Book Alliance which seeks resolution on issues of copyright, access, anti-trust and privacy in the Google Books Settlement case.
The formation of this unique alliance bringing together SLA with non-profits, library groups, corporations, and other consumer groups to call for a detailed investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) into the Google Books Settlement is being widely reported by the news media today.
The alliance anticipates an official launch in the coming weeks, at which point additional information will be released to the media, and to all SLA members, about the alliance member organizations, the intent of the alliance’s activities, as well as the type of actions the group will be pursue, including specific details as to its intended course of action with the DOJ.
UPDATE (August 26)- The Open Book Alliance officially launched today. Please take a moment to visit the website www.openbookalliance.org and review the materials as well as the media coverage from today: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNET News.com, and Agence France Press
A completely electronic, searchable, and universally accessible repository of digital books has the potential to bring untold value and knowledge to individuals, organizations and libraries, making more information available to more people around the globe. SLA looks forward to that day. In the meantime, we are joining this effort because we believe that the DOJ must look into the full ramifications of this settlement on issues of copyright, access, affordability and privacy.
SLA’s goal is to ensure that any mass book digitization and distribution system addresses those extremely important issues, and that access to such valuable information remains open and competitive. We are also looking for some additional answers on how the settlement will achieve a fair and accessible system.
As with any important legal decision that may threaten the accessibility of information to the public, SLA believes it should be grounded in sound public policy, be mindful of the long-term benefits for the greater good, as well as take into consideration input from the public and important stakeholders.
Media Coverage on the Open Book Alliance
- The Wall Street Journal Tech's Heavyweights Put Google Books Deal in Crosshairs
- The New York Times 3 Google Rivals Plan to Oppose Book Settlement
- The Telegraph (UK) Google Rivals Oppose Book Project
- Links to additional news reports and blog posts on this topic
SLA Public Policy Blog Post on the Topic
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