Issues in Scholarly Communication is a newsletter produced by Paula Kaufman, University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, for the Illinois community. Entries from 2001-2005 newsletter are available.
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Richard Charkin of Macmillan comments on the British book trade, exports, and piracy:
In spite of the importance of the UK book trade, British publishers would not exist without their exports. And we do it really rather well in spite of having to contend with a very strong currency (vs our major competitor, the US dollar), threats from territorial erosion, piracy, dodgy dealers and restrictive practices in some countries.
The latest statistics show export growth of 14% in units and 10% by value with fastest growth in children's books and educational programs. Academic unit sales actually fell as a result of people switching to digital delivery but revenues held up. This year, subject to the usual provisos about political events and natural disasters should see further growth in Asia, Eastern Europe and the emerging markets in general.
The biggest issue (and cost) continues to be piracy and the Publishers Association (whose website will shortly reflect more obviously its merits!) leads the world's publishing industries in taking action where necessary and supporting legal and consitutional routes to the protection of authors' copyrights. It is expensive but vital. It is another example of a cost which commentators from within and without the industry tend to forget when calculating profits.
Chark Blog 1/11/07
Posted by P. Kaufman at January 11, 2007 7:30 AM
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