The Future of Publishing – Insights from Librarians, Publishers and Vendors
Monday, June 27 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Orange County Convention Center, Room W105A
Description:
As we look at the future of publishing - and its impact on authors, publishers, libraries, book stores and vendors - there are a large number of changes in the acquisition and distribution of content to explore. New trends include the continued shift between print and eBooks, their business and pricing models and its impact on bookstores and libraries; and the changing environment for authors, especially those who self-publish. Challenges include access to alternative content, in both e- and print formats, and a changing environment which emphasizes self-publishing and other alternative publishing methods. Another trend is the increase in eBook prices, which means that print sales are also higher and eBook sales are somewhat stagnant – with noted differences in trade and academic publishing. Libraries are tasked with reflecting the culture of their communities and making all of this content available, accessible, and kept for future generations. When fulfilling a library’s mission, librarians face budgetary constraints, the dominance of large publishers and distributors who aim to serve a broader reader base, and the lack of knowledge that alternative and self-published materials exist.
This session will bring together library professionals, publishing and self-publishing service representatives to brainstorm future trends and lead a discussion about finding solutions to these challenges.
SPEAKERS:
Paula Laurita, Director, Athens-Limestone Public Library
Paula Laurita earned her Master’s in library studies in 1997 from the University of Alabama. She was a school librarian for 10 years. She is the director of the Athens-Limestone Public Library in Athens, Alabama. Until April she was the president of the Alabama Library Association. She currently serves as the past president and chair of the legislative committee for ALLA. Paula also serves on the LLAMA-PRMS committee. She’s been a judge for the Benjamin Franklin Book, Maggie, and Regina Medal awards.
Jim Heuer, Director of Sales, Ingram Library Services
Jim Heuerhas been with Ingram Content Group for the past 18 years. Presently, he is the Director of Sales for Ingram Library Service and manages a team that works with Public Libraries and K-12 schools in the US. Previously, his roles included Sr. Sales Rep for Ingram Book Company and Ingram Publisher Services, calling on independent bookstores in the Great Lakes.
Beth Bernhardt, Assistant Dean for Collection Management and Scholarly Communications at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Beth Bernhardt has her graduate degree in Library Science from the University of South Carolina. She is currently the program director for the Charleston Conference and editor of the Charleston Conference Proceedings. Beth is also the incoming chair for the ALCTS Collection Management Section.
Judy Luther, President, Informed Strategies
As President of Informed Strategies Judy Luther is a consultant whose experience includes work in publishing, for vendors and a first career as an academic librarian. She enjoys finding win/win solutions that connect users with content. A recent project was helping launch Knowledge Unlatched, a collaboratively funded open access ebook initiative. A Past President of the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) she is also active in the Charleston Conference. Judy has earned both an MLS and an MBA.