There has been an ongoing flurry of questions and concerns regarding the Google Book Settlement, a settlement that could expand individuals' and groups' online access to books in both electronic and print. The settlement still must be approved by a U.S. District Court of New York.
The Google settlement could be an amazing step forward, but at what cost—in dollars and liberties? Along with excitement about the good that could arise from the settlement (see Google Book Search Will Expand Access), there are also fears that it could compromise basic library values such as equal access to information, privacy, and intellectual freedom.
Last week, Derek Slater, Policy Analyst with Google, met with staff at SLA headquarters to discuss and address various concerns that have been voiced by SLA members over the settlement (Read settlement explanation). Though we discussed many issues, the conversation focused on four primary areas: institutional subscription pricing, privacy, intellectual freedom, and orphan works.
As a result of the meeting, Google has agreed to have a Dan Clancy, Engineering Director, Google Book Search, join us at the SLA 2009 Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO for SLA’s Public Policy Update. Join us Tuesday, 16 June 2009, 11:30 a.m.-1:00p.m. to hear an overview of the settlement, pose questions you may have, and voice your praises or concerns.