Good Data, Bad Data, You Know I’ve Had My Share: Library Book Acquisition Patterns
We have had assumptions about the academic book market that probably are just not true.
Update on a Library Research Project
Preliminary results on a research project on library acquisitions are now in. They suggest some interesting patterns in collection-building; the data from this project will be useful for other researchers. It is hoped that the full roll-out of this project will take place later this year.
The Gatekeeper Strategy in the Library Market
EBSCO is now, through the acquisition of YBP, the largest vendor to academic libraries of both serials and books. This is the beginning of a gatekeeper strategy, which will put EBSCO in a position to mediate a large proportion of the arrangements between publishers and libraries.
More Consolidation in the Publishing Business
Rakuten, the owner of Kobo, has acquired OverDrive, a leading library ebook vendor. The implications of this deal will ripple through the industry and require many players to reevaluate their strategies.
Researching Amazon and Libraries
Announcing a research project to study how many academic books Amazon sells to libraries.
How to Shoot the Moon with D2C Sales
In order to build direct-to-consumer sales, university presses should consider streamlining their publishing programs and focus on a small number of subject areas, even just a single area.
Sizing the Market for Patron-driven Acquisitions (PDA)
Patron-driven acquisitions (PDA) has reached a market of approximately $20 million and is growing rapidly; it is likely to more than double over the next 18 months. University presses make up perhaps 25% of the total.