As it works with Google to scan nearly all the books on its shelves, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor has decided not to make full-text versions of copyrighted books available online, even to on-campus users. The university has upgraded its online card catalog to include full-text electronic copies of books that have been scanned as part of its controversial partnership with Google. Users will be able to read the complete text of out-of-copyright works online.
Some observers had wondered whether the university might make full-text versions of copyrighted books available at on-campus computers, but Michigan officials ruled out that option early on. “We don’t believe that fair use allows us to make that kind of access available to our user community,” said John P. Wilkin, an associate university librarian.
