The nature of publishing has changed dramatically in recent times, and
is likely to continue changing. These changes are being brought about by new
technology, globalisation and marketplace changes.
Examples of these changes include the following:
- People are increasingly using the
Internet and cable TV for information
-
People can find information
faster and easier than ever before
- People are better educated than
in the past
- Information can be delivered to
larger markets cheaper and more easily
- New economies are rapidly
developing
- Competition between markets is
stronger than ever before.
- Increased electronic publishing, and decreased print media publishing
- Decreased book sales, bookshops closing down.
Implications for the publishing industry may include:
- A reduced need to buy printed
publications
- An increased desire for
information
-
An overall increase in the
quantity of material being published
-
Changed strategies in what is
published and how things are published and marketed
-
An increase in self publishing
-
Development of publishing
monopolies
-
A greater need than ever before
to predict future trends
-
Changes in how revenue can be
generated through advertising
These and other predictions are being made about the future of
publishing. The one fact that is certain is that the publishing industry has
been, and will continue to undergo rapid change, and that success in publishing
in the future will depend upon a publisher’s ability to monitor and rapidly
react to change.
What else is changing, and what is the best way to adapt -for students, teachers and anyone who likes reading?