A service to search the entire text of books has been launched by web giant Google. It could play an important role in the evolution of the way people search for information online, say some experts.
Google Print Beta lets searchers view excerpts from books, as well as author鈥檚 notes, reviews and cover artwork. It also provides links to online book sellers and related advertising. The service works when a user types the phrase 鈥渟ite:print.google.com鈥� and search words into Google鈥檚 search box.
鈥淕oogle has been experimenting with a number of publishers to test their content online,鈥� says a message posted to the Google site. 鈥淧ublishers鈥� content is hosted by Google and is ranked in our search results according to the same technology we use to evaluate web sites.鈥�
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So far it is possible to search 60,000 titles from several publishers and Google is talking to others providing about giving access to their books.
Human knowledge
In October, the online retailer Amazon gave customers the option to search the complete text of books that can be bought through the site. Danny Sullivan, editor of SearchEngineWatch.com, says this is an important development for internet users.
鈥淏oth companies recognise that there鈥檚 value in searching books,鈥� Sullivan told 快猫短视频. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 where the bulk of human knowledge is.鈥�
Sullivan adds that Google and its competitors will seek to provide more and more searchable information as they evolve. 鈥淪earch engines are still very much in their infancy,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going to see more and more specialised sources of information.鈥�