BISG members endorse more training, education and research related to supply chain standards and best practices

New York, NY (December 3, 2009) -- Results from the 2009 survey of Book Industry Study Group (BISG) members show strong support for standards influence and development, with roughly half the respondents (53%) saying they endorse more activity in this area and 46% indicating that BISG's participation in standards development is "imperative." The expansion of industry policy statements and research initiatives also ranked high on members' list of priorities for BISG.

Initial survey results were shared with the BISG Board of Directors during its November 19, 2009 meeting as part of the current strategic planning process. This process also includes a review of BISG's mission statement and Board structure along with the identification of key objectives for the organization to focus on in the next three years.

In addition to expressing support for more standards work, education and research, many survey respondents noted that they value the opportunities BISG provides for discussing and developing consensus-driven best practices related to key issues affecting the book industry, and that they appreciate the ways in which BISG allows their voices to be part of the process.

Members also indicated they see BISG as a force for keeping them aware of upcoming trends and developments while helping them maintain or increase their connections within our industry.

Ancillary survey findings related to specific BISG initiatives included:

• 70% of respondents said BISG's BISAC Subject Headings are either "imperative" or of "high importance" to their businesses


• 72% of respondents said consensus on a universal means of identifying e-book content is either "imperative" or of "high importance" to the book industry


• 60% of respondents said BISG's newest study, Consumer Attitudes toward E-Book Reading, is an "imperative" or "highly important" research initiative

Over 40% of BISG member companies responded to the survey. Detailed findings will be presented and discussed during BISG's BISAC General Meeting on January 15, 2010, in New York City. BISG members interested in attending this meeting should RSVP here.

Media Contact:
Angela Bole
Deputy Executive Director
Book Industry Study Group, Inc.
646-336-7141
angela@bisg.org
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About Book Industry Study Group, Inc.
The Book Industry Study Group, Inc. (BISG) is the U.S. book industry's leading trade association for policy, standards and research. The mission of BISG is to create a more informed, empowered and efficient book industry supply chain for both physical and digital products. Membership consists of publishers, manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, librarians, and others engaged in the business of print and electronic media. For over 30 years, BISG has provided a forum for all industry professionals to come together and efficiently address issues and concerns to advance the book community.

Learn more about BISG at www.bisg.org.

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