BY PAULA GARDNER and BRIAN HAMILTON
pgardner@mbizreview.com and bhamilton@mbizreview.com
Google Inc. hiring for Ann Arbor operation
BY PAULA GARDNER and BRIAN HAMILTON
pgardner@mbizreview.com and bhamilton@mbizreview.com
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Google Inc. appears set to launch an expanded operation in Ann Arbor for its library digitization project for the University of Michigan.
The company seeks to hire technicians that will install and maintain new servers equipment capable of processing and storing network information in a server room at an undisclosed site in the city.
Google [Nasdaq: GOOG] had been looking for up to 40,000 square feet of space for the digitization project, as well as up to 250,000 square feet capable of housing a Googleplex, its name for a combined technology/call center (See Business Review, June 9-15). The company has refused to comment on the state of either space search, and sources say that anyone working with Google has been bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
However, it appears that the company has identified a site for the digitization project, though no details are available on its location. Ads placed by Google on Internet job-search sites and its own Web site make it clear that it will be hiring for a site that will have new equipment. The digitization is taking place in libraries nationwide, despite challenges over copyright issues.
The Internet search-engine giant wants to scan all 7 million volumes in the U-M collection, a project estimated to take at least six years.
The contract between U-M and Google calls for the university to approve any off-site operations.
John Wilkin, U-M associate librarian in charge of overseeing the scanning, said Tuesday that he had no information on a Google move off-campus.
At U-M, Google is working on non-copyrighted material at the Buhr Shelving Facility until the copyright issues are resolved.
Google started the scanning operations on University of Michigan property early this year, but officials said U-M had no room for the company to expand as it accelerated the scanning pace.
Google did not return calls on deadline. The company previously would not disclose information on space needs, staffing or associated costs.
Google does not permit the public on the scanning site because of proprietary software and hardware.
Based in Mountain View, Calif., Google has 22 offices in the U.S. and abroad and 3,482 employees as of March 31.
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