In yesterday's feature, we began counting down what we believe are the 10 most significant educational technology stories of 2005--many of which will continue to make headlines in the coming year. Here's the rest of our list.

5. Amid controversy, Google shelves its ambitious book-scanning project

Internet search giant Google Inc. had a busy year, announcing new features that included robust map-making abilities and extensive question-answering services. But it was Google's Print Library Project, announced in December 2004, that made the loudest noise.

The idea, though ambitious, seemed simple enough: Google would scan millions of books from major public and academic libraries into its powerful internet search engine. To prevent the file sharing that has plagued the entertainment industry, the company set limits: Users wouldn't be able to print materials easily or read more than small portions of copyright-protected works online. Google also said it would send readers hungry for more directly to booksellers and libraries, and publishers could opt out of the program if they still had concerns.

But that wasn't enough to appease either publishers or authors, both of whom filed separate lawsuits to halt Google's practice.

These lawsuits have broad implications for the future of copyright laws that have long preceded the internet. Their outcomes could determine how easy it will be for students, scholars, and other people with internet access to benefit from knowledge that is now mostly locked up in books sitting on dusty library shelves, many of them out of print.

Meanwhile, internet powerhouse Yahoo Inc. has set out to build a vast online library of copyrighted books of its own--one that actually pleases publishers. In October, Yahoo announced the Open Content Alliance, which plans to provide digital versions of books, academic papers, video, and audio. Much of the material will consist of copyrighted material voluntarily submitted by publishers and authors, said David Mandelbrot, Yahoo's vice president of search content.

See these related links:

Google to scan books from school libraries
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showstory.cfm?ArticleID=5415

Publishers protest online library project
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showstory.cfm?ArticleID=5681

Google Maps inspire creativity
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showstory.cfm?ArticleID=5729

Authors: Google infringing on copyrights
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showstory.cfm?ArticleID=5875