In November 2020, the world holds its breath for the imminent release of a COVID-19 vaccine, and businesses and retailers everywhere prepare for the critical christmas period.
That’s why Anthem Press has curated 8 note-worthy articles that contribute to a glimpse of the current state and future trajectory of the publishing industry. Whether data, news or commentary, we aim to keep you informed.
1. Visualizing Data: Part 1: Mapping the 21st Century
In Part 1 of her Visualizing Data blog series, Nancy K. Herther explores the ways in which data has been mapped and visualized throughout the 21st century. The developments in data mapping have allowed important developments in the academic world, including a massive new wave of discovery and scholarship. Find out more, and read the rest of the series, here.
2. The most popular British Library content of 2020
As the year draws to a close, the British Library take a look back at their content most-loved by readers. From the most popular collections viewed, to the most interacted with tweet, this blog piece highlights what audiences have been loving this year – with some interesting insights. Read it here.
3. University Presses bullish about acceleration of transition to digital
University Presses speak to the Bookseller about the opportunities offered by the digital transition which has been witnessed this year as a result of the market impact of Covid-19. They are confident that “the importance of academic research and teaching materials – whether they are published in print or digitally – remains unchanged”. Find out more here.
4. As book publishing shrinks during the pandemic, how are India’s printing presses coping?
From reduced orders to changed workflows, there is no doubt that printing presses have had to deal with dramatic changes this year. This blog post explores how Indian printing presses have dealt with the past year, and the new workflows necessary. Read it here.
5. Bookshop.org makes £65,000 in UK launch
Bookshop.org launched in the UK on the 2nd November, after a successful US launch earlier this year. The site successfully drew in £65,000 on its first day of trading and had over 150 independent bookstores sign up – could this platform be a game-changer for the publishing industry?
6. Subscription models ‘still better suited to academic than trade’
Speaking at FutureBook 2020, Perlego’s Matthew Jones reflects on the potential of the subscription model seen in other forms of digital media, discussing how the model is “still better suited to academic than trade”.
7. AAP Reports 23-Percent increase on US E-Textbooks in fall semester
The Association of American Publishers have released new research on the student text-book market, declaring that “during the fall semester of 2020, distance learning drove widespread adoption of less expensive e-textbooks in both sales and rentals—including through subscription models”. Find out the full results here.
8. Bertelsmann to buy Simon & Schuster for US $2.175 billion
This month the news has broken that Beterlsmann, parent company of Penguin Random House (and already the biggest publisher in the world), has purchased ViacomCBS’ Simon & Schuster for US $2.175 billion. Read more about what this means for the industry, including regulatory concerns, here.