Google to add 7 libraries to its database

SAN FRANCISCO: Web search leader Google Inc. said it is working on a project to digitally scan the collections at seven libraries and will make the pages available to Google users over the coming years.

Google, which is putting up a sample of the new information on Tuesday, said it will help scan the entire collections of such partners as the University of Michigan. It also is undertaking pilot programs at places like Harvard University and the New York Public Library.

"The goal of the project is to unlock the wealth of information that is offline and bring it online," said Susan Wojcicki, director of product management at Google.

When search results yield pages from scanned library books, Google will provide links to search and advertising partner Amazon.com and to libraries where the books can be borrowed. Google will get no compensation for the links.

Google is not immediately serving ads on library material, Wojcicki said.

The move comes as other search companies like Yahoo Inc., Microsoft's MSN Internet unit and privately held Grokker also are working to expand their reach beyond just the Web to encyclopedias, library collections and other sources.