The book market during digitalization epoch:What should the li-braries know.(Based on the materials of 2019 London Book Fair, and other events)

Abstract

Authors present a fairly detailed review of main trends as discussed at seminars held within the London Book Fair 2019. As to publishing business in general it is noted that the sales of print are rising for the fourth year in a row. E-book sales are growing in the UK and falling in the US for the second consecutive year (down 3.6% in 2018) while downloadable audiobooks continue to support publishing business with double digit growth in sales (up 37.1% in 2018). Improving technology, especially smart speakers give a boost to audiobook popularity. People are increasingly listening to audiobooks at home in the evening hours of 8pm to 10pm making them an important form of leisure. Audiobooks are in great demand in libraries. Libraries buy them from publishers and audiobooks are primarily circulated in the same way as print books, that is, “one book – one borrower”.

In the era of fake news proliferation, quality research findings are important for making informed decisions (for instance, in environmental protection). We need standards and procedures that will help us recognize valid research – like cross-checking, fact checking, tracing the source of information, taking into account whether the material was published in academic or predator journals, journal blacklists and whitelists, differentiation between research and sponsored content.