TRENDS AND IMPACT OF
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING
ON LIBRARIES
Dr Daulat Jotwani
Director Library Services,
Amity University Uttar Pradesh, NOIDA
Presented at the RRC Seminar on Electronic Publishing
and Libraries,30 July 2023, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Electronic Publishing
Electronic publishing or e-publishing, is the process of creating, distributing, and consuming content in
various electronic formats. E-publishing can be represented as
Electronic publishing = Electronic technology + computer technology + communication
technology + publishing.
• Electronic technology forms the foundation of e-publishing, enabling the digitization of content and its
transformation into electronic formats such as e-books etc
• Computer technology plays a crucial role in the creation, editing, and formatting of electronic content,
providing the necessary tools and software for authors and publishers.
• Communication technology, particularly the internet, facilitates the distribution and dissemination of digital
content to a global audience
• Lastly, e-publishing encompasses the overall process of producing, organizing, and presenting digital content in
a coherent and professional manner. Together, these components intertwine to form the multifaceted
landscape of e-publishing, revolutionizing the way information is created, shared, and consumed in digital era.
Electronic Publishing
• It encompasses the production of electronic books (e-books), online
magazines, digital newspapers, and other forms of digital literature.
• E-publishing leverages technology and the internet to make content
available to a wide audience across different devices such as e-
readers, smartphones, tablets, and computers.
• With e-publishing, authors, publishers, and readers benefit from its
inherent advantages, including cost-effectiveness, global
accessibility, and interactive features that enhance the reading
experience.
Need for the Electronic Publishing
• With the rapid advancements in technology and the widespread adoption of
digital devices, there is a growing demand for immediate access to information.
• Electronic publishing fulfills this need by providing a platform for the creation,
distribution, and consumption of digital content.
• It offers convenience and accessibility, allowing users to access a wealth of
information anytime, anywhere, with just a few clicks.
• Moreover, electronic publishing addresses the changing preferences of readers
who seek lightweight and portable alternatives to traditional print materials.
Need for the Electronic Publishing
• By embracing digital formats, it also promotes cost-effectiveness and
environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on paper and
minimizing waste.
• Additionally, electronic publishing facilitates the democratization of
publishing, enabling aspiring authors and independent publishers to
reach a global audience without traditional barriers.
• Overall, electronic publishing meets the needs of modern society by
offering convenience, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, environmental
friendliness, and inclusivity in the realm of information sharing and
knowledge dissemination.
Categories of E-Publishing
1. Offline Publishing:
• Offline publishing refers to the creation, distribution, and consumption of electronic content that is
primarily accessed and used offline, without requiring internet.
• This includes various digital publications that can be downloaded and accessed locally on electronic
devices.
• Offline publishing formats typically include e-books, digital magazines, and digital newspapers.
• Users can download these publications onto their devices, such as e-readers, tablets, or
smartphones, and read them at their convenience, even in the absence of an internet connection.
• Offline publishing provides the advantage of offline access and portability, allowing readers to carry
and access their preferred digital publications wherever they go.
Categories of E-Publishing
2. Online Publishing:
• Online publishing, on the other hand, involves the creation, distribution, and consumption of
digital content that is primarily accessed and utilized online, through internet connectivity.
• This category encompasses a wide range of digital content available on the internet, including
websites, blogs, online news portals, and various online platforms for publishing articles, essays,
and other forms of written content.
• Online publishing allows users to access and engage with the content in real-time, often featuring
interactive features, multimedia elements, and the ability to comment and share.
• Online publishing offers the advantage of instant access to a vast array of information, seamless
updates, and the ability to engage in discussions and social sharing related to the content.
Types of E-Publishing
Electronic publishing encompasses various types that cater to different forms of digital content and
publishing approaches.
1. E-books: E-books are digital versions of printed books that can be read on electronic devices such as e-
readers, tablets, and smartphones. They provide the same content as traditional books but in a digital
format, offering advantages such as portability, adjustable font sizes, and searchability.
2. Digital Magazines/ Online Newspapers : These are publications that replicate the layout and design of
print versions in a digital format. They often feature interactive elements, such as embedded videos,
hyperlinks, and multimedia content, enhancing the reading experience. Digital magazines/online
newspapers can be accessed through websites, dedicated apps, or digital newsstands, and allow for real-
time updates, comment sections, and social sharing.
3. Academic Journals/Databases/Back files: Academic journals in electronic form provide scholarly
research papers and articles within specific disciplines. They are typically available through online
platforms and databases, offering features such as advanced search options, article citations, and peer
reviewed content.
4. E-Theses and Dissertations, Multimedia, Bulletin Boards
Types of E-Publishing
5. Web Content/Blogs: Web content and blogs refer to digital content published on websites or blogs
covering a wide range of topics and interests. This includes articles, opinion pieces, tutorials, reviews,
and other forms of written content that are regularly updated and accessible to online readers.
6. Self-publishing Platforms: Self-publishing platforms allow authors to independently publish and
distribute their own works digitally. These platforms offer tools and services for formatting, cover
design, and distribution, enabling authors to release their books directly to digital platforms like e-
book stores or online retailers.
7. Digital Comics: Digital comics provide a digital format for comic books and graphic novels. They can
be read on electronic devices, offering features such as zooming, panel-by-panel reading, and
multimedia enhancements.
8. Interactive Storytelling: Interactive storytelling involves digital narratives that allow readers to
engage with the story and make choices that influence the plot. These can be in the form of
interactive fiction, choose-your-own-adventure stories, or immersive storytelling experiences
Advantages of E-Publishing
[Link]: E-publishing provides unparalleled accessibility, allowing readers
to access digital content anytime, anywhere, with just a few clicks. Whether it’s e-
books, digital magazines, or online newspapers, electronic publications can be
easily accessed on various devices, including e-readers, tablets, and smartphones.
This convenience enables readers to carry entire libraries in their pockets and
access their favorite publications on the go.
2. Cost-effectiveness: E-publishing eliminates the need for physical printing,
storage, and distribution costs associated with traditional publishing. This cost-
effectiveness benefits both publishers and readers. Publishers can significantly
reduce production expenses, making it easier for independent authors and small
publishers to enter the market. On the other hand, readers can often find e-books
and digital publications at lower prices compared to their print counterparts.
Advantages of E-Publishing
3. Global Reach: One of the most significant advantages of e-publishing is its
ability to reach a global audience. Digital content can be distributed worldwide
through online platforms, making it accessible to readers across different
geographical locations. This global reach expands the potential readership and
allows authors to connect with diverse audiences, transcending traditional
publishing limitations.
4. Interactivity and Multimedia: E-publishing offers interactive features and
multimedia elements that enhance the reading experience. Digital publications
can incorporate multimedia content such as videos, audio clips, and interactive
graphics, providing readers a more engaging and immersive experience. This
interactivity fosters a dynamic and enriched reading environment, particularly in
genres like educational materials, children’s books, and graphic novels.
Disadvantages of E-Publishing
1. Dependency on Technology: E-publishing relies heavily on technology, which can be a disadvantage in certain
situations. Readers need electronic devices and internet connectivity to access digital content. Technical issues like
device malfunctions, software compatibility, or internet outages can temporarily hinder access to e-publications, limiting
the reading experience.
2. Digital Fatigue: With the abundance of digital devices and online content, readers may experience digital fatigue when
consuming e-publications for extended periods. The constant exposure to screens can strain the eyes and contribute to a
sedentary lifestyle. Some readers still prefer physical books’ tactile experience and sensory connection, which cannot be
fully replicated in the digital realm.
3. Piracy and Copyright Concerns: E-publishing faces piracy and copyright infringement challenges. Digital content can
be easily copied, shared, and distributed without proper authorization, potentially impacting the revenue and rights of
authors and publishers. Protecting intellectual property in the digital space requires robust digital rights management
systems and anti-piracy measures.
4. Reader Preferences: Despite the growing popularity of e-publishing, some readers still have a preference for print
books or physical reading experiences. The touch, smell, and aesthetic appeal of physical books holds a unique charm for
many individuals. The transition to epublishing may not resonate with readers who enjoy the sensory experience
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
• Electronic/digital publishing in its current state has more than a 40-year
history.
• 1930s: Spoken audiobooks appear in stores (the first accessible textbooks,
excluding those in Braille, which was invented in 1824). These constitute the first
opportunities a print disabled individual can access content without the need for a
human narrator. Early recordings use an analogue medium to record the audio.
• Electronic/digital publishing was born on 4 July 1971 when Project
Gutenberg started. It was founded by Michael Hart who was the first to make
a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence. This document became
the first digitized publication in the world. People got a free access to the
Declaration and shared it with each other. Project Gutenberg exists to date
and it now offers more than 70,000 free eBooks.
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
1980s: CD Era
• The first CD-ROM became commercially available in 1982. and it changed the way people shared
information. Not only music and video companies saw the CD's potential, but also publishers found a
way to use it.
• Many magazine and newspaper publishers began experimenting with new ways of editions distribution.
At that time only a few people had 24/7 access to the internet and CDs appeared to be a great way to
share material. For example, National Geographic magazine made copies of archival works on CD-
ROMs for retail distribution. It helped the company to use up-to-date digital technologies, save money
and distribute its magazine with the digital-rights management.
1990s: First eBooks
• 1990 was called the "International Year of Literature" and this year opened an era of eBooks. The
number of the internet users was growing exponentially and the demand on electronic books was
growing accordingly. Books in txt, mobi and doc formats took the market.
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
2000s: ePaper
• In 2003, ePaper technology was introduced to the mass market. In 2004 Sony released Sony Librie -
the first eBook using electronic paper. It was followed by Kindle eReader from Amazon in 2007.
Since then the publishing market has never been the same again.
• While "old" eBooks were made for reading on PCs, new eReaders revolutionised the process of
book reading. It was a totally new experience to have a whole bookstore in your pocket - a
bookstore users could take anywhere. New eReaders had increased storage capacities, allowing
people to carry dozens of documents in their pocket.
• But not only Amazon and its Kindle were at the forefront of digital publishing revolution. Google and
its newly developed search engine also impacted the e-publishing development. Google's
representatives scanned thousands of documents and books from various universities, converted
the texts into PDF files and created the unique database and search engine - Google Books. Today
several millions scanned documents which doesn't violate copyright can be read and downloaded
for free.
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
2010 till now: Mobile era
• The second decade of 21st century started with the introduction of first iPad by Apple and it was a real milestone
in digital publishing development. Apple has changed the perception of computing. Since 2010 Apple has
released several generations of iPads and lots of manufacturers offer its tablet solutions.
• Mobile technologies were the next step in digital publishing evolution. People don't use PDF or ePub files as often as
they used to in early 2000s. What they need is mobile applications.
• Content distribution via mobile apps has become popular thanks to the fast consumer adoption of smartphones
and tablets.
• Internet traffic on mobile phones has significantly increased and continues to do so. The number of users is expected to
grow from 5.2 billion this year to 6.1 billion in 2028.
• The share of traffic from mobile devices has soared from 10.88% in 2012 to almost 60% in 2022. This shift has made the
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
2010 till now: Mobile era
• Today publishers can choose between ADPS (Adobe Publishing Suite), native apps development and
cross platform mobile solutions.
• Native apps provide more opportunities than ADPS thanks to the rich functionality of the platform
(iOS, Android, Blackberry, WinPhone), though it is quite time-consuming and pricy for publishers. As
native development takes more time, and if you need to cover a wider audience, you have to develop
an app for each platform.
• Cross-platform solutions are cheaper as one app is developed for all platforms at once. As for the
functionality, such apps have the same set of features therefore such variant can be more profitable.
For example, digital publishing tool from Nasty Creatures is a newly developed mobile platform for
delivering cross-platform mobile solutions for publishers.
• Thanks to cross-platform, e-publishers can deliver highly productive apps faster and at a lower price.
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
• Today, electronic publishing is one of the fastest-growing trends in the world of
digitalization. Day by day, more and more print publishing businesses, as well as companies
with a high volume of moving documents, are switching from print publication to electronic.
• There is a growing demand for Electronic resources in the education sector as well. Which,
since the post-pandemic times, is gradually moving to online realities. Over the past few
years, the publishing industry has experienced many changes aimed at improving publishing
in general, as new technologies continue to spur innovation.
• In time, all printed publications will be digitized. But when we talk about the electronic
publishing industry, we don’t only mean digital print publications, but also a huge number of
special resources and e-publishing solutions that already exist today and are developing at
an all-time high rate.
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
• Print-on-Demand (POD) Print-on-demand is ordering a paper version of a
book you like from the publisher. This feature allows you to get back to your
old habit of reading if you want, for example, to give someone a gift in the
form of a book you like. This method can help relieve publishers of the need
to print traditional print runs of several thousand books at a time. Many
publishers, including aspiring web publishers, hope that this method will allow
them to print smaller runs of books more efficiently and still make a profit.
• POD is a good intermediate step between the conventional way of printing
paper books and electronic books. However, because POD still uses paper and
cannot be delivered as cheaply and quickly as e-books, in the long run the
popularity of this innovation may decline as consumers become more
comfortable using e-readers and e-book readers
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
• Interactive e-books -- The most modern trend in digital publishing today is Interactive E-books.
Giving your readers ebooks with video and interactive content can help you better engage
them in their reading, offer them a variety of resources, and turn the tedious process of
learning complex business terms into a joyful experience.
• Audiobooks (“Hands-free” with Audiobooks) -- Audiobooks have become an instant hit the
moment they made their debut. This popularity stems from the fact that readers have a lot of
things to do but very little time to do it. Audiobooks can give people with limited reading time
the chance to listen to their favorite books while multitasking. For instance, if your reader is a
working mom who has numerous responsibilities but no time to read, audiobooks are an
excellent solution to “read” a book while doing the housework. Similarly, if a reader is a busy
entrepreneur who has many responsibilities and no time to read, but spends an hour a day at
the gym, audiobooks are a great solution to absorb information in a highly multitasking
environment.
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present
& future
• A-books -- Another very compelling trend in the E-pub niche is “augmented books” – or “a-books” – which may
appear on bookstore shelves in the near future. The University of Surrey has announced the latest version of a
research project that seeks to combine the best of physical and e-books. The main idea of the authors of this
technology is to provide the reader with the pleasant feeling of a physical book in their hands, but to allow access
to additional information or multimedia content by means of modern technology. At the moment, this technology
is being demonstrated in real life with the Climate Domesday Book, which triggers an interaction such as the
playing of a video or audio on a nearby big screen relevant to what the user is reading.
• Multi-device Accessibility
• From Amazon’s famous Kindle to Nook and iLex, readers have a plethora of different options to choose from.
However, consumers won’t always use the same device to read an eBook.
• They will use their mobile phone, a device that is both practical and efficient in places where space can limit you.
This need for practicality pushes eBooks to become available on every device regardless of type.
• After all, readers don’t really mind what the device is but how well they will engage with the content and how
easily they will access their eBooks. This trend pushes motivates publishers to discover new ways to deliver their
eBooks and make them accessible to their readers without the limitations of the e-reader software.
• Kitaboo, for example, is a great tool that not only lets you use multimedia and interactivity features in your eBooks
but also allows you to publish them on multiple devices and platforms.
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
Supplementary Content for Complex Subjects
• It is a fact that as we head towards the future, more complex and intriguing subjects will emerge.
• With the rise of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, the need to deliver more sophisticated and
explanatory content is necessary.
• For readers that want to grasp such difficult terms and gain knowledge, offering them supplementary
content for a price or for free is already a reality that many publishers have adopted.
• For example, if a student reads a book about chemical compounds, then it’s only natural that they will
need extra material, experiments and tutorials to have a deep understanding of the subject.
• For digital publishers, offering readers extra interactive textbooks and resources is an excellent way to
establish themselves as publishers who care about their readers’ needs and are ready to offer them instant
solutions.
• [Link]
Trends in Electronic publishing: Past, present & future
• According to The Statista E-Publishing Global Outlook, revenue in this segment is projected to reach US$52.78bn in
2023. (ePublishing - Worldwide | Statista Market Forecast )
• The same outlook forecasts that revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 2.54%,
resulting in a projected market volume of US$58.35bn by 2027.
• With this steady growth, we can assume that more and more users will switch to electronic publication formats
from print and will reach 1.58bn reader by 2027
• The e-publishing market has been spurred by a range of parallel technological achievements. The use of personal
computers and portable devices has increased exponentially over the years.
• On top of all that, many handheld and lightweight e-book reading devices have become available. It makes reading
on the move easier and more comparable to reading a real book.
• Lifestyle transformations, improved broadband connectivity, the increasing prevalence of online learning in general,
and the desire to get content immediately are some of the factors influencing the growth of this sector.
Impact of Electronic Publishing on Libraries
• The impact of electronic publishing in libraries has been profound.
• It has revolutionized the way libraries acquire, organize, and provide access to
information.
• Electronic publishing has expanded the availability of resources, offering a vast
array of digital content such as e-books, e-journals, and multimedia materials.
• This has broadened the scope of information accessible to library users, facilitating
research and learning.
• The user experience has significantly improved, as patrons can access resources
from anywhere at any time, saving time and increasing efficiency.
• Moreover, electronic publishing has brought cost-effectiveness to libraries,
reducing expenses associated with physical materials and optimizing space
utilization.
Impact of Electronic Publishing on Libraries
• Redefined policies, procedures and systems to deal with / handle e-publications.
• Reorganization of library spaces for effective use.
• Librarians need new skill set for better management and delivery of services.
• Digital publishing has sprouted the growth of various business models such as subscriptions,
bundle packages, open access resources (~20,000 journals, ~1million articles), self-publishing etc
to target a wider audience.
• It has also enabled libraries to engage in collaborative resource sharing, leading to enhanced
knowledge exchange and research opportunities.
• Overall, electronic publishing has transformed libraries into dynamic information hubs, meeting
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
• Many factors contribute to the growing digital publishing sector in India. A few of these are
–
1. Internet – The Internet has seeped into almost every aspect of our lives. This connectivity
has accelerated the growth of digital publishing as well. Internet devices, be it smartphones,
e-readers or laptops are easily accessible and readily available. They can be carried
anywhere without the extra effort of carrying. Print copy of books, magazines or
newspapers. Since the users are online for various other activities, it makes sense that
digital publishing is the next step to meet them where they are.
2. Ideal viewing experience – Besides being accessible any time anywhere, e-readers now
come with options such as authentic page feel, flipping page options etc to make the reading
experience more immersive. Besides this, they also provide the option of carrying multiple
books in one place without the hassle of physically carrying them with yourself.
Smartphones, thanks to the growth of social media are also a great option for accessing
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
3. Audiobooks gaining traction – Audiobooks are one of the most important formats of
digital publishing and consumption. In some countries, the growth of audiobooks is faster
than the growth of e-books. India is also witnessing an increased interest in this format.
Some of our established audiobook providers such as Audible, Storytel, and Google expect
the interest and revenue of digital formats to grow in India as well
4. Easy online access to Children’s literature – Children’s literature is a key sub-sector
of digital publishing. Owing to Covid-19 a lot of parents accessed online published
material to keep their children entertained, educated and occupied. This trend continues to
grow in a post-crisis world as well. With school just going back to normalcy, children’s
books continue to be a popular genre for digital publishing. From pictorial books, for
young kids to spy thrillers for teens to even educational material accessible online, digital
publications are popular among all ages of children and students.
• /
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
• Many artists and publishers are still apprehensive about losing rights to the material, cyber security etc.
Though there has been a huge shift toward the adoption of digital media, print publishing continues to
dominate the Indian landscape. Factors such as The contribution of the Indian print publishing industry
are also a major source of revenue and create millions of jobs. A key enabler for education attainment,
learning, recreation, religious texts, etc, the publishing industry covers a major chunk of the market
share. It generates revenues with the continued production of knowledge in regional languages as well.
• The publishing industry of India was valued at over 500 billion Indian rupees in the year
2019. This was a significant growth from the market size four years prior. Forecasts for
2024 predicted the continued growth of this sector with an estimated market size of
about 781 billion Indian rupees.
• The digital publishing sector in India (about 8-10%) is figuring out how to bring together publishing and
technology to leverage the best of both for a reliable, winning proposition in the future.
[Link] list 81 Indian publishers
who publish e-books
• [Link]
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
Electronic Publishing – Indian Scene
Thank you
