BISG History

BISG saw its beginnings at the annual conference of the Book Manufacturers Institute in November 1975. Here, a few publishers and manufacturers met informally with representatives of several trade associations to discuss the urgent need to improve the book industry's research capability.

Soon after, this small group invited others to join in sponsoring a seminal study of book industry information needs on which a future program could be based. BISG was incorporated as a not-for-profit in February 1976 and its Report on Book Industry Information Needs was completed and published in April 1976. The report confirmed the feasibility of a program of major research studies by and about the book publishing industry.

In the intervening years BISG has published many research reports in response to the needs of its members and the wider industry. Among these are studies on experimentation and innovation in digital publishing, environmental trends and climate impacts, used-book sales, consumer buying habits and an annual review of publisher net unit and dollar sales entitled Book Industry TRENDS.

In addition to research, BISG has taken a strong position at the cutting edge of initiatives and developments that have reduced operating costs across the book industry. BISG manages BISAC Subject Headings, ONIX for Books and X12 e-commerce transactions, for example: all mainstays in the book industry and required for participation with many trading partners.