I’ve been experimenting a little with Google Documents (http://docs.google.com) in the past few weeks. This morning I created a presentation on Title 17 Section 108 for a lunch conversation about Copyright and Libraries, specifically focused on Boston University’s libraries beginning efforts to plan for a digitization project. I was generally pleased with the ease of creating the document. It isn’t as robust as MS PowerPoint, but it certainly met my needs.

It was possible to upload a PowerPoint presentation as a starting point. I was surprised, however, that I couldn’t download to a PowerPoint file, nor could I print it. With documents and spreadsheets, it is possible to export to a MS Office file. I didn’t try it, but a feature I really like is the ability to interact through chat with those who might be viewing the presentation online.

I was able to publish the document as well. This provides a URL (on Google) that is discoverable by the public. And this post is being written using Google Documents as the editor. In configuring options, I’m able to specify my blog for posting…

Tags: Copyright, Google