books.google.com ~ browse.seek.find

Google Book Search
Similar to Google Scholar Google Book Search limits your web search to a particular subset of content on the web, in this case millions of books.

Which Books Are Included

If the book is out of copyright, or the publisher has given us permission, you'll be able to see a preview of the book, and in some cases the entire text. If it's in the public domain, you're free to download a PDF copy.

The Different Views available through Google Book Search

Full View is available if the book is out of copyright or the owner of the copyright has given Google permission to scan and make the book fully viewable. For books in the Public Domain, users are able to save or print PDF versions of the book.

Limited View is when copyright holders on grant Google permission to make a limited section of the book viewable by users as a preview to the book.

Snippet View is similar to what users see from an online bookseller. General information about the book and a summary displaying your search terms in context is usually displayed in this view.

No Preview Available is similar to a basic library card catalog. Only basic book information is displayed along with links of where you may find a print copy if it is available.

Will this make libraries obsolete?

Quite the contrary, not all books are able to be made available for full-text scanning and libraries do not have the space or money to buy and house all the books people need. By offering a number of copyrighted and public domain titles Google has given libraries a hand in preserving and making the classics available at the same time as freeing up resources for libraries to use on future titles, or on titles that are unique and specific to their missions.

By working with libraries and bookstores the overall beneficiary is the customer who is searching for a book or some bit of information. Together these institutions with seemingly different ends have made it easier than ever before to access and obtain written works.

So the next time that you are unable to locate a title in our collection give Google Book Search a try, you may be suprised to find it online. If you would like more information about Google Book Search visit http://books.google.com/intl/en/googlebooks/about.html or stop by the library and I would be happy to help you.