Google!

We interrupt this extended hiatus for an important announcement from Google Books: Three years ago, the Authors Guild, the Association of American Publishers and a handful of authors and publishers filed a class action lawsuit against Google Book Search. Today we're delighted to announce that we've settled that lawsuit and will be working closely with these industry partners to bring even more of the world's books online. Together we'll accomplish far more than any of us could have individually, to the enduring benefit of authors, publishers, researchers and readers alike. It will take some time for this agreement to be approved and finalized by the Court. For now, here's a peek at the changes we hope you'll soon see. ... How Book Search will change ... Library and university access We'll also be offering libraries, universities and other organizations the ability to purchase institutional subscriptions, which will give users access to the complete text of millions of titles while compensating authors and publishers for the service. Students and researchers will have access to an electronic library that combines the collections from many of the top universities across the country. Public and university libraries in the U.S. will also be able to offer terminals where readers can access the full text of millions of out-of-print books for free. My dream has come true. If you live outside the US, sadly, yours has not. But mine has. Assuming (fingers crossed) that my library sees fit to buy this, the Most Awesome Digital Technology Ever (Or At Least Since EEBO).