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Research Themes
In Focus
Digital Tranformations I: Digital Evolution and New Publishing Models January 2007
For Future Consideration |
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Table of Contents
Introduction The Changing Nature of Book Production The Book (and the universe of books) Transforming Marketplace Organization For Future Consideration All Resources For Future Consideration In the face of the emergence of an even stronger mass-market production and distribution system composed of big-box chain stores and bestsellers published by large firms, there is a strategic need to explore the re-establishment of alternative production and distribution dynamics. The following three points deserve consideration. Led by authors who know and can predict their markets, self-publishing is increasing, facilitated by publishing-service organizations. Similarly, non-book formats and delivery systems are being tested by niche publishers. For example, certain technical publishers are making their publications available in online form as well as selling print versions. Some have branched out into selling publications in report format. In combination with easy online payment software, this model shows promise. China and India are positioning themselves as low-cost suppliers of mainstream books to developed economies. This will disrupt the trade in international publication rights to developing countries that allow them to produce inexpensive international English-language editions for their domestic markets. Other media challenge the traditional book format by providing individuals with affordable, meaning-making and meaning-consuming opportunities that compete with books. A reasonably computer-literate person with access to a home computer can produce a multimedia package that represents an affordable creative opportunity for an author to generate new meaning from elements of his/her environment. If educational institutions fully legitimize such media presentations as wholly adequate demonstrations of knowledge and understanding—which seems inevitable over time—book reading will be severely affected. In this changing environment, a policy designed to assist publishers to explore other media to complement their books would serve Canadians well. All Resources |
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