24 May 2024
Ithaka S+R has announced a study to assess the evolving landscape of scholarly monograph publishing. Supported by the Mellon Foundation, this project aims to explore the complexities of the academic e-book sector across humanities, social sciences, and STEM disciplines in the US, UK, and Europe.
As scholarly monograph publishing straddles both digital and print realms, new business models and open access principles are shaping the industry. Despite this evolution, there has been a lack of comparative analysis on the costs and benefits of these emerging models. Furthermore, no comprehensive study has examined the broader academic ecosystem in which these publishing and distribution models operate.
Ithaka S+R's new study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the market fit of various e-book publishing models. The project will focus on several key areas:
• Service to Authors, Readers, and Libraries: Assessing how well the market serves these crucial stakeholders.
• Role of Print: Investigating the current and future relevance of print in scholarly publishing.
• Hybrid Models: Evaluating the costs and services associated with hybrid publishing models.
• Importance of Academic Libraries.
Academic libraries play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, serving as primary markets for university publishers and as vital connectors between authors and researchers. Previous research by Ithaka S+R, including their report on "The Second Digital Transformation of Scholarly Publishing," highlights the significant influence libraries have on innovation and content funding.
The study will result in a detailed report, offering a critical analysis of existing models and proposing innovative directions for future development. Ithaka S+R plans to publish the report in late spring 2025. The project will also include a series of targeted interviews with stakeholders, and feedback from interested librarians and publishers is welcomed.