Google Books

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Google Books provides the world's most comprehensive index for full-text books with search, previews, and options to buy or borrow through partner programs and libraries.

Target Customer

Researchers, students, general readers, publishers, authors, librarians

Key Differentiator

Two primary programs (Partner Program for publishers/authors and Library Program for libraries); ability to create a personal library via Google Books; cross-device reading with a Google account; access to previews and various views depending on rights

Implementation Timeline

Not specified

Pain Points

1Difficulty finding the right book quickly via a search that behaves like web search
2Uncertainty where to buy or borrow a book and which libraries have it
3Limited access to full text or previews due to copyright; some books are only previewable or fully accessible if in the public domain

Key Features

1Full-text search across books
2Book previews and multiple viewing options based on copyright status
3Links to purchase or borrow from retailers or libraries
4Reference pages for each book (reviews, web references, maps, etc.)
5Two programs: Partner Program (publishers/authors) and Library Program (libraries)
6Create and manage a personal library with Google Books (Meine Bibliothek)

Target Customer Industries

Competitive Advantages

1Comprehensive full-text book index enabling discovery.
2Multiple access routes (purchase, borrow, or free access for public-domain titles).
3Dedicated Partner and Library programs to engage content providers and institutions.
4Personal library feature supports organization and cross-device reading.
5Integration with library and publisher ecosystems for broader access.

Key Benefits

1Discoverability of books through full-text search

2Access to previews and where available full texts

3Easy purchasing or borrowing through partner retailers or libraries

4Support for publishers/authors via dedicated programs

5Personal library management and cross-device reading

Additional Product Information

Product Description

Google Books is a platform for searching and accessing books, offering full-text search, previews, bibliographic context, and options to buy or borrow via publishers, retailers, and libraries.

Target Market

Publishers, authors, libraries, researchers, and general readers

Unique Value Proposition

A globally searchable, full-text book index with integrated publisher and library programs and personal library capabilities for cross-device reading

Technical Requirements

Some features require a Google account (e.g., access to purchased titles and syncing across devices); data such as the last five read pages may be stored; standard Google account/login and privacy practices apply

Pricing Model

Books can be purchased or borrowed; some public-domain titles can be downloaded for free; availability and pricing may vary by retailer or library

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