Google to Revise a Book Pact by Nov. 9

The parties to a Google book settlement that would allow the creation of a vast digital library outlined on Wednesday an aggressive timeline for modifying the agreement to satisfy objections from the Justice Department and others. After a hearing in Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York on Wednesday morning, Judge Denny Chin set Nov. 9 as the date by which Google and its partners must submit a revised settlement for the court's preliminary approval. Michael J. Boni, a lawyer who represented authors, said the parties hoped for a final hearing on the modified settlement in late December or early January. To meet that schedule, Boni asked the judge to allow Google and its partners to shorten the period for accepting comments or objections from all parties affected by the amendments. Judge Chin broadly agreed. "I think everyone has a pretty good idea of what is on the table."