Google's reaches 'understanding' to scan French out of print books

Google has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hachette Livre to scan French-language out of print books.  The six-month memorandum will see Google scanning the publisher's choice of titles for which it has the rights.

Meanwhile, France's Culture Minister Frédéric Mitterrand stated he regretted that that the agreement had been reached before a common strategy had been adopted by the wider French book business.  Talks about digitisation are ongoing in France with the government stating it wishes to ensure that the interests of all parties are considered.

More on this story in The Bookseller.