[tirsales]

Originally Posted by epiphany

I agree but we are discussing what should be done right now which is important in determining how long the long run will take.

Agreed.

Which products do Google restrict in particular?

Gosh, I didnt make a list. I distinctly remember some products and services being only available to certain areas or nations (which is their decision).

Most public libraries restrict their services to people who live within their geographical area. How profitable will Google be if they start ignoring customers privacy concerns? Look at how quickly websites like facebook change their policies when their is concern over these issues.

You do know some of the scandals wrt Google about privacy? And some of the ongoing affairs?

I find it extremely unlikely that Google will abandon their book scanning project but even if they did it would be foolish to just erase all their books. It is far more likely they would give or sell the data to another site. The long tail effect will ensure Google keep less popular books.

I am not so sure - too many projects in the industry fail because the short-term profit it too low. Granted - the momentary situation with Google is fine, but national libraries provide more long-term security.
I dont oppose Google scanning those books - I would oppose a Google monopole.

Do you really think that a national library would be closed because they provided a substandard digital library?

Nope, but perhaps the digital library would be abolished. Sorry for misstating that.

I think your last sentence sums up why I think Google will deliver a better service. If Google doesn't remain at the top of its game then someone else will jump in and steal Google's customers. If a national library doesn't deliver on its services, it's very difficult for individuals to take funding away from them.

It's actually far easier to influence the course of action a national institution is taking (e.g. via votes) then to influence the course of action of a private company...