On the sixth day, God created man and he saw that it was good. On the eighth day, God created the internet and students everywhere rejoiced. They can order food, alcohol, organise their social lives and even read lectures online. Until now, however, one thing has still forced students to emerge from their cocoons into the cold light of day: the library.

Now however, Google has saved the day. In the last twenty years the internet has changed the way in which we live almost unrecognisably. In October 2004, Google introduced their revolutionary idea for an internet database containing millions of books available read online. But in a revolutionary settlement reached last week Google are now able to expand their database, free from fear of legal action over copyright infringement.

Formerly known as Google print, this service currently allows access to over seven million books that can be read from the comfort of your own bed. The idea is to allow ease of access to books that are out of copyright, out of print or even unpublished. Although this seems like something we have all seen before, in the form of JSTOR or similar online services, the difference is that Google's service is completely free; every student's favourite word.

A spokesperson for Google said: “The aim of Google Book Search is to help you discover books and learn where to buy or borrow them, not read them online from start to finish. It's like going to a bookstore and browsing – with a Google twist.”

According to The New York Times, Google is scanning over 3000 new books every day and although it has refused to release information about how much this project is costing, CIO Today estimates that the venture will be in excess of 100 million dollars.

Google has implemented this service alongside its standard search engine. When you enter words that are deemed relevant enough, up to three books appear at the top of your search results. For books that are no longer covered by copyright law, the entire piece is available to be read, in full, by anyone with access to the internet. If the book is covered by copyright law however, a preview in some form or other is often still available, as well as details on where one can find the complete work.

Microsoft launched a similar venture in December 2006 in competition with Google, but the project was later abandoned when they realised its potential legal complications.

Mr Ruben, Microsoft Lawyer, said in March 2007: “Companies that create no content of their own, and make money solely on the backs of other people's content, are raking in billions through advertising revenue and IPOs.”

Three years ago, Google was hit with a multimillion dollar lawsuit by the Authors Guild, the Association of American Publishers, and a handful of irate authors and publishers. They claimed infringement of copyright by Google and demanded closure of the service and appropriate compensation.

However, in this last week, Google has reached a groundbreaking agreement with said parties, allowing Google to continue with their project. They settled for 125 million dollars. Good news for all it would seem. Edinburgh's libraries coming to a laptop near you? Let’s hope not, but it might help to make student life that little bit lazier.