The University of Georgia Libraries is partnering with Google Books to digitize roughly 120,000 volumes from its collection of 4.5 million books and journals. This initiative will provide online access to a wide range of academic resources for students, faculty, and the global community. These Google Partners Books will be available through the UGA library catalog and the Google Books database.
Expanding Access to Knowledge Through Google Partners Books
This collaboration with Google Books significantly expands access to UGA Libraries’ resources, transcending physical limitations and making scholarly works available worldwide. The digitized collection encompasses diverse subjects, from historical documents and literary classics to scientific research and government publications. This partnership reflects UGA’s commitment to knowledge sharing and global academic leadership.
UGA Library with Google Books logo
A Treasure Trove of Historical and Academic Materials
The 120,000 volumes selected for digitization represent a rich cross-section of UGA Libraries’ holdings. Included in the Google Partners books project are:
- Rare and historical books dating back centuries
- Shipping registers from 1764 and Atlanta city directories from 1870
- U.S. and United Nations government reports
- Peanut and cotton research reports
- Works by renowned authors such as Balzac, Sir Francis Bacon, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy
- Economic forecasts and analysis
Digitization Process and Accessibility
Google will undertake the scanning process, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of these valuable materials. UGA Libraries will retain a digital copy of each work, ensuring long-term access for future generations. These digitized works will be accessible through:
- UGA Libraries’ online catalog
- The Google Books database
- HathiTrust, a digital preservation repository
Stacks of books in the UGA Library
A Collaborative Effort to Preserve and Share Knowledge
This three-year project exemplifies the power of collaboration between academic institutions and technology leaders. The partnership with Google Books solidifies UGA Libraries’ position as a leading provider of digital resources. It also highlights Google’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to information globally. This initiative allows UGA to share its unique collection with a broader audience, contributing significantly to global scholarship and research. The Google Partners books program aims to encourage other libraries to participate in similar digitization efforts, further democratizing access to knowledge. The University of Georgia is one of the first in the region to contribute to the growing 35 million volume database within Google Books. This digitization project not only preserves historical materials but also facilitates new research opportunities by making these resources readily searchable online.
