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| 01-12-2005 | Previous edition: 01-11-2005 |
        
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Printer-friendly version Google plans to enable students to search Purdue libraries onlineBy Brent ForguesCampus Editor Students may soon be able to search for books at Purdue’s libraries through Google. James L. Mullins, dean of libraries, said Google has expressed interest in Purdue’s strengths regarding engineering and science and has requested a list of Purdue’s collections. The project is Google’s latest attempt to digitize items in five other university libraries, such as the University of Oxford, Harvard and Stanford Universities, the University of Michigan and the New York Public Library, in order to make published information available to the public over the Internet. The University will also receive a digital copy of the works Google selects to post on its search engine. "We in the libraries are very excited about this," Mullins said. "It means better access to material that is already in the libraries." But it doesn’t mean books or libraries will become obsolete, he said. "It will help supplement the uniqueness of libraries. Our greatest concern is access to information and to support and complement what is online, knowing that there are various drawbacks and benefits to the avenues of the printed or written word online." Although non-copyrighted material will be viewable over the Internet, the cost of printing most of the books would be more expensive than to just buy it or go to the library. Since 2001, Purdue’s libraries have seen an increase of more than 60,000 items circulated, which Mullins attributed to an increased value in monographs, filmstrips used to view periodical literature, by faculty and students. The increase over the last three years may indicate there is a growing need for such materials to be made available over the Internet. And libraries still provide refuge for students to get their work done. Tania Siriapismai enjoys spending her time between classes at Hicks Undergraduate Library to catch up on homework. A freshman in the College of Liberal Arts, Siriapismai said the library’s environment is more conducive toward studying than if she returned to her residence hall. "It’s easier to get work done here," she said. "That’s what libraries were meant for." Eric Brown, a junior in the College of Liberal Arts, has been going to the libraries since he was a sophomore. "I just like the atmosphere," Brown said. "Other people are studying in the library, so it puts you in the mood to study." Printer-friendly version |
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