Argentina’s publishing industry has suffered serious setbacks due to changes in government policies, but some see opportunity despite the challenges.
Russian Government Considers Support for Bookselling
The decrease in reading in Russia has alarmed government officials, who are considering various proposals to support bookselling and the promotion of reading.
Slovenians Cheer Passage of Fixed Book Price Law
Years of effort on behalf of publishers has resulted in a new fixed book price law in Slovenia, which should help stabilize the tiny nation’s book business.
Can Textbook Nationalization Curb “Profiteering Publishers”?
Hungary nationalized primary school textbook production to thwart what are viewed as ‘profiteering publishers’; Poland and South Africa are considering similar changes.
PublishNews Brazil: Saraiva Gets New CEO, Book Policies Go Back to Brasilia
In Brazil, Saraiva gets a new CEO, the Ministry of Culture moves oversite of book policies back to Brasilia, and a university press finds success with free ebooks by its professors.
SURVEY: Is It Time to Get Rid of the ISBN?
ISBNs date back to the 1960s, but many think the system no longer reflects the realities of the digital age. Should the ISBN system be abolished, updated, or left alone?
PublishNews Brazil: More Megastores Opening, Workers Get Book Vouchers
The dominant Brazilian bookstore chains continue to open new megastores, the government is issuing 18.8m workers vouchers to spend on books, and Abril Educação is prepping its IPO.
Brazilian Book Market Grows to Nearly $2bn, Led by Growth in Trade and STM
For expanded coverage of the Brazilian book market, visit our new site and newsletter — PublishNews Brazil — powered by Publishing Perspectives. By Maria Fernanda Rodrigues, PublishNew Brazil The Brazilian publishing market continues to exhibit modest growth. According to the most recent figures released by the Brazilian Book Chamber (CBL) and the Brazilian Publishers Union (SNEL), the total market was …
Hugo Chávez’s Color Coded “Revolutionary Reading Plan”
By Emily Williams No friend to publishing (see our earlier coverage here) Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez has nevertheless started to implement his four-part color coded “Revolutionary Reading Plan.” Announced in May, the goal of the project as stated by the Venezuelan government, is “the democratization of books and reading, with a new conception of reading as a collective act under …