Question : Problem: Can I connect my HP ScanJet 8270-USB to our network?

We purchased an HP ScanJet 8270 with the mistaken idea that it was a network scanner that we would be able to share over our LAN that we were instlling in our office. Unfortunately, it was a couple of months before we got around to this part of the system and then found that the scanner had no ethernet port. A ltlle late to return the scanner. I see USB to Ethernet Printer adapters advertised but can find no reference to their ability (or lack of) to connect a scanner's USB port to an Ethernet outlet. Would this work? Anything else that might work?

Answer : Problem: Can I connect my HP ScanJet 8270-USB to our network?

THe device listed below will allow you to do what you're looking for.  There are a few less expensive ones from silex as well that should work.  What they do is create a usb server that will allow you to connect the USB scanner over ethernet as though it were plugged in to your local computer.  The usb to ethernet adapter you're looking at will not do the same thing.
http://www.silexamerica.com/sx-2000wg.html