Universal Online Library

Google's hope to make one was struck down.  So-called "orphan" books -- those out of print with no ability to actually find the author and secure copyright -- languish, waiting to be put online.  I would love to see these up and searchable. 
 From the editorial in today's New York Times: "[Congress] almost passed a bill that would allow anybody to digitize orphan works without fear of being sued for copyright infringement as long as they proved that they had tried to find the rights’ holder. This would give all comers similar legal protection to that which Google got in its agreement.
Congress should approve this legislation. While it’s at it, it should consider promoting a nonprofit digital library, perhaps seeded with public dollars. The idea of a universal library available to all is too good to let go."