Google’s ambitious project, codenamed “Project Ocean,” aimed to scan every book in the world to create a universal library accessible to all. The project, which began in 2002, involved scanning 25 million books after forging deals with top libraries. The detailed process involved custom-built scanning stations and sophisticated software to digitize books efficiently. The project faced backlash and legal challenges from copyright holders, leading to lawsuits but eventually paved the way for a middle ground where out-of-print books could be revitalized and sold as digital downloads. The settlement of the lawsuits highlighted the complexities of ownership rights for out-of-print books and the challenges of navigating copyright laws in a digital age.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/04/the-tragedy-of-google-books/523320/