French national library gives in to Google Book Search

Google is close to signing a deal with France’s national library to provide it with a digital archive. A deal would end years of strident resistance from the Biblioth?e Nationale de France’s management and French commentators, who have labelled the search giant’s plans an example of American imperialism.

The library was attempting to set up its own digital library in partnership with other institutions around Europe. However, that project has stalled and the scene is now set for Google Book Search to gain a foothold on the continent. The library says the decision to let the search giant into the library is purely financial. The French government is giving the library EUR5m (USD7m) to digitise its collection, but the cost is estimated to be closer to EUR80m (USD113m).

Meanwhile, pressure on Google’s Books project is mounting in the US, where a prominent lawyer is becoming the latest voice to oppose the deal. Both the National Writers Union and talent agency William Morris Endeavour revealed their opposition earlier this month. Boies Schiller & Flexner partner Scott E Gant plans to file a far-reaching suit opposed to the settlement this week.

?This is a predominantly commercial transaction and one that should be undertaken through the normal commercial process, which is negotiation and informed consent,? says Grant. He says that those involved in the settlement are ?trying to ram this through so that millions of copyright holders will have no idea that this is happening?.