In regards to Book Search Should Work Like Web Search….
If we want book search to work like web search, then we need data to convince the powers that be that it is financially beneficial to undertake such an effort. Sadly, it doesn’t matter if sharing content will provide better search results for users. The way to get it done is to convince publishers and corporations that open access to content for searching will make $$$$.
I thought it was interesting that MS is scanning books despite there being an electronic format. Does this mean they don’t want to purchase the rights and so they choose to scan? MS seems to often find themselves behind the curve, but that just seems silly and redundant.