Google’s online book-search project was originally called Google Print.
Google introduced Google Print at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2004. The early program worked with publishers to make books searchable online, showing information and limited page previews while directing readers toward ways to obtain the complete work.
Google later expanded the project through agreements with major libraries, including collections at universities. This library-scanning effort became known as the Google Books Library Project. Because the program included both publisher-provided books and scanned library holdings, the Google Books name eventually became the broader identity.
The project has faced major copyright disputes, especially in the United States, over scanning books and displaying snippets. Google Books is therefore more than an ordinary ebook store: it is principally a searchable index and preview system, although some titles can also be read or purchased in full.