Princeton University Joins Google’s Library Project

Princeton University Joins Google’s Library Project

The shelves of the Princeton University library system speak of its rich history. Founded over 250 years ago, the library shared its first home with the U.S. Continental Congress, endured the ravages of the Revolutionary War, withstood major expansions, and became one of the most advanced and fully networked libraries in the country. And soon, the library will be able to more easily share its unique history and collections with even more students, researchers and book lovers around the world.

Today, Princeton University becomes the latest partner to join Google’s Library Project. The combined collections of the Princeton University libraries total more than six million printed works, five million manuscripts and two million nonprint items. Working together, Google and Princeton will digitize approximately one million public domain books from these collections, so that readers around the world will be able to view, browse, read, and even download public domain materials – all simply by searching online.

“Generations of Princeton librarians have devoted themselves to building a remarkable collection of books in thousands of subjects and dozens of languages,” University Librarian Karin Trainer said. “Having the portion of that collection not covered by copyright available online will make it easier for Princeton students and faculty to do research, and joining the Google partnership allows us to share our collection with researchers worldwide, a step very much in keeping with the University’s unofficial motto of Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations.”

Read the complete Press Release