According to an article from CNet, Google has entered into agreements with Harvard University, Oxford University, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan to scan portions of their libraries as part of Google Print, the search maker's effort to bring the world of print online.

Although some of the participants (notably Harvard and New York Public Library) have agreed to only limited access, some of the other participants are providing very thorough access (Oxford is allowing anything published prior to 1900, and Standford and U Mich are allowing access to everything).

Google will likely have some interesting dealings with copyright holders, but it is an exciting project. Initially, they plan to offer some books entirely online (ones that are in the public domain) and others will be made available only as excerpts (with the ability to buy from a link online).

Let's hope this works, it could be a wonderful resource!