The members of the group, which is to be chaired by Barry Jones AO, are:
- Louise Adler, CEO Melbourne University Press
- Philip Anderson CEO, Australian Printing Industries Association
- Lorraine Cassin, Printing Division Secretary, Australian Workers Union
- Graeme Connolly, CEO Melbourne University Bookshop and president of the Australian Campus Booksellers Association
- Tom Crago, CEO Tantalus Media
- Alan Fahy, CEO, McPherson's Printing Group
- Dave Fenlon, CEO, REDgroup Retail
- David Gaunt, co-owner Gleebooks
- Ross Gibb, MD, Macmillan Australia Group
- Sandy Grant, chair and director of Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) and chief executive of Hardie Grant Books
- Angelo Loukakis, executive director, Australian Society of Authors
- Emmett Stinson, president, Small Press Underground Network Community
- Murray St Ledger, CEO McGraw Hill
- Chris Warren, Federal Secretary, Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
As outlined in the terms of reference here, the group will report on:
- What digital platforms for books are available in Australia, how they work, what features they offer, and how extensively they are used.
- How fast the market for digital delivery of books will grow in Australia and internationally, what factors might slow or hasten that growth and what is the relative position of printed books.
- The potential size and structure of the Australian digital and printed book markets, taking into account (a) demand from individuals, libraries, government agencies, and research, educational and cultural institutions; (b) the needs of the aged and people with disabilities; and (c) the needs of regional and remote communities.
- How the supply chain for trade, educational, scholarly, scientific and technical books has been and will be affected by digital technologies, taking into account the impact on authors, publishers, printers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers.
- Options for encouraging efficiencies in the supply chain for printed books, integrating it with digital delivery of books on a global scale, and increasing the overall competitiveness of the Australian book industry.
- (a) How business models are likely to change in the digital environment; (b) how this is likely to affect business models for printed books; and (c) what can be done to facilitate these changes.
- Opportunities for the Australian book industry to participate more actively in the global marketplace for printed and digital books over the next decade, including by creating, adopting, and using new technologies.
- How existing Commonwealth programs and activities can be refocused to support the industry's adaptation to new technologies.
‘Over the next twelve months, Mr Jones and members of the BISG will examine how the industry must evolve in order to prosper in the new digital landscape, and develop business models to effectively integrate digital and traditional printed book production,' said Carr, pointing out that it was a ‘challenging time' for the industry.
The Weekly Book Newsletter will report further in next Wednesday's newsletter.
What do you think of the make up of the group and the terms of reference? Send your comments to bookseller.publisher@thorpe.com.au.
Published: 09/04/2010
