The publisher sees the digitization of its content as a means of retaining control over digital files which are potential subjects of copyright violations by search engines such as Google and Yahoo who scan material and make it available to view online.
HarperCollins envisions digitization of all of its content on a global basis, which, though searchable via search engines, will be hosted by a server in the HarperCollins digital library.
Digitization is also aimed at meeting the demands of the marketplace which increasingly requires that content be made available online and in numerous formats, while remaining in control of digital files and intellectual property.
Jane Friedman, president and CEO of HarperCollins Worldwide said, In keeping with our commitment to be a 21st century publisher, our content needs to be available in a digital format. We are putting our digital house in order so that we are prepared to offer consumers book content in new ways and with a variety of partners. Once the content is digitized and available in a robust database, the possibilities of what can be done are endless. The world we live in today is increasingly technology driven. HarperCollins is going to move with the technology.
