Academic publishers are protesting Google's plans to scan library books into its Internet search engine index. In a letter to Google opposing the plan, the Association of American University Presses
argued that the plan "appears to involve systematic infringement of copyright on a massive scale."
The association, which represents 125 nonprofit publishers of academic journals and
scholarly books, wants Google to explain how the company will protect copyrights. The Google Print initiative will scan books at three academic libraries -- Michigan, Stanford, and Harvard.
Google's response to the group so far: "Although we believe there are many business advantages for publishers to participate in Google Print, they may opt out, and their books scanned in libraries
will not be displayed to Google users." Google remains in talks with some academic publishers.
The free distribution of some copyrighted material is considered within the bounds of
permissible "fair use," according to federal law. Google told the association of nonprofit publishers that its program meets the "fair use" criteria.