Optimising publications for Google users

This article examines the responsibilities of libraries and librarians as Internet information publishers, in view of the popularity of Google amongst users. It argues that librarians should think explicitly about Google users whenever they publish on the web, and should be prepared to update their policies and procedures accordingly. Drawing on experience and practical examples of publishing ebooks and other collections within the Glasgow Digital Library, the article describes procedures that libraries can adopt to ensure that their publications are optimised for access by users of Google and other web search engines. The aim of these procedures is to enhance resource discovery and information retrieval, and to enhance the reputation of libraries as valued custodians of published information, as well as exemplars of good practice in information management.