The Google Books Revolution

Friends or Foes? Google Books and University Libraries

-Subscription and agreement basics.
What can we expect from a potential subscription model. How will this be different from other ebook databases/services.

-Content.
What is unique, what is special about GB. Is the content of special interest for the academic community.

-Metadata.
On the quality of metadata in GB. How does this affect the quality of the database/service. What does this tell us about Googles ambitions/goals for the service.

-Preservation - and clearing up space
Google digitizes our books. Can we then get rid of the printed books on our shelves. And can we rely on Google to preserve our digital heritage.

-Reinventing the book
On how GB and other ebook-services reinvent the book as a vital tool in research.

-The future of Google / Google Books
Who will outlive who. Libraries will survive Google. What will then happen to the database. Some predictions.

-Friends or Foes?
Neither. GB is yet another ebook database/ supplier. But plays an important part in the transition from print to electronic for books. Will have ha bigger impact on public libraries than University libraries.