Is Google the world’s biggest pirate of copyrighted works, or is it performing a valuable public service by making out-of-print books easily accessible to millions of people on the Web?

That’s a question that will be debated today at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington by experts pondering the digital dilemma.

Google, the California-based search-engine giant, started online reproductions of books in October 2004 and promptly faced a class-action lawsuit a year later.

The company reached a settlement with the plaintiffs in October 2008, but the details of the agreement are still being negotiated before an anticipated federal court date Nov. 9.

* See Google’s press release from October 2008. *

In addition to the copyright issue, the U.S. Department of Justice fears the settlement will allow Google to create a virtual monopoly on digitizing books in violation of antitrust laws.

Google and its supporters argue that the digitization of millions of out-of-print or hard-to-find works will benefit anyone with curiosity and an Internet connection.

The debaters will discuss the pending settlement proceedings and focus on fundamental issues regarding copyright liability and the fair use doctrine.

Participants will include Steven Hetcher, co-director of the Technology&Entertainment Program at the Vanderbilt University Law School, and Anthony Rose, a partner with Meitus Gelbert Rose LLP in Indianapolis.

“This is a fascinating case of monumental importance,” said Armen Boyajian, chapter president of the Federalist Society, a co-host, in a statement. “Our mission is to broaden the diversity of thought on campus by facilitating fair and open dialogue on hot issues.”

Monday’s debate, which begins at noon

* Read what people have been saying about Google’s settlement. ** * ody>BusinessBUSINESSbiztopstories,business,indiana,pmupdate,topsections