Sunday, October 5, 2008

The Future of Libraries is .... Print Shops

The University of Michigan's Shapiro Library recently installed a machine that will print an inexpensive copy of works out of copyright. Read more from their press release:

The book machine, located in the Shapiro Library lobby on U-M's Central Campus, prints out-of-copyright books from the University's digitized collections. At a cost of about $10 per book, the service is available to researchers, students and the public.

The printing process begins with a reader selecting a digitized book from U-M's pre-1923 collection or from another online source, such as the Open Content Alliance. Most books printed prior to the early 1920s can be reprinted without seeking the permission from whomever holds the copyright. Then the file is downloaded to the Espresso Book Machine, where it is formatted, printed and perfect bound with a four-color cover.

A finished printed book takes 5-7 minutes, depending on the number of pages.
Click here to see the machine in action.

Hat tip to WisBlawg