Google announced today @ ALA the takeover of LCI.....

OK, so Google isn't Really taking over LCI.
Yet.
But, their impressively large booth (larger than Microsoft's) had lots of interest for librarians. Many book-and-information-related features have been quietly added in recent months. I suppose most of us (or someone on our staffs) should go to
Google.com/librariancenter
and at a minimum, go to the "Tools" section to download the posters that list advanced searching tips. At that same location, we can also sign up for their special newsletter for librarians as well as view past issues of their newsletters.
They've also released Google Earth 4 (Beta) which now works on Windows, Macintosh, or Linux. Libraries, as educational institutions, are eligible to sign up for the "Pro" version, normally $400, which they can download for free.
Last ALA posting -- See you all back in CT!

Doug McDonough