The online book searching field will get a little more crowded in 2006 when Microsoft launches MSN Book Search, first as a vertical on MSN Search. Books that have emerged from copyright will be available at no charge; Microsoft is exploring fee options with publishers with an emphasis on opt-in. Danielle Tiedt, GM-search content acquisition, MSN, told the NYT: “We’re thinking through a whole host of business models for the in-copyright stuff.”
In the meantime, Microsoft is joining Brewster Kahle’s Open Content Alliance, which launched recently with Yahoo as a founding member. The dowry: $5 million, roughly the cost of scanning 150,000 books. Tempting to consider the OCA the anti-Google Print option but Kahle has made no secret of his hope that Google will join and says talks are progressing.
SEW has more details. 
Related: Yahoo Backs a Collaborative Book Plan