Google halts library project - for now

Google will temporarily stop scanning copyright-protected books from libraries into its database, the company said late on Thursday.

The company's library project, launched in December, involves the scanning of out-of-print and copyright works so their text can be found through the search engine's database. Google is working on the project with libraries at Harvard University, Stanford University and other universities.

The plan has come under fire from several groups, including publishers, who object to what they claim are violations of their copyrights.

Google said on its blog that, following discussions with "publishers, publishing industry organisations and authors", it will stop scanning in copyright-protected until November, while it makes changes to its Google Print Publisher Program.

The publisher program also involves scanning copyright books. In that program, books are scanned - at the publisher's request - to let web searchers view excerpts from books, critics' reviews and other book data, with links back to publishers' websites or other places where the books are for sale.

Google said it is adding new features that will let publishers submit a list of books that, when scanned through the library project, will be added to the publisher program. It is also adding a feature that lets publishers present a list of books that should not be scanned through the library project.

Google said on its blog: "We think most publishers and authors will choose to participate in the publisher program in order [to] introduce their work to countless readers around the world. But we know that not everyone agrees, and we want to do our best to respect their views too."

But Google's move apparently did not satisfy all publishers' concerns regarding the project.

Patricia Schroeder, CEO of the Association of American Publishers, said in a statement: "Google's procedure shifts the responsibility for preventing infringement to the copyright owner rather than the user, turning every principle of copyright law on its ear."

"Many AAP members have partnered with Google in its Print for Publishers Program, allowing selected titles to be digitised and searchable on a limited basis pursuant to licences or permission from publishers," she said. "We were confident that by working together, Google and publishers could have produced a system that would work for everyone, and regret that Google has decided not to work with us on our alternative proposal."

Google declined to comment.

Margaret Kane writes for CNET News.com