Since the Bologna Book Fair, which takes place in Italy, the Aldus Up network, coordinated by the association of Italian publishers, unveils the conclusions of two studies devoted to data relating to books and reading on the one hand, and on the translations and exchanges of rights on the other hand, in Europe.
The first one, focusing on books and reading, was produced by the association of Italian publishers itself: it reports on the various national studies carried out on this subject by the member countries of the European Union, and uses particularly heterogeneous methodologies.
Collection methods, sample questioned, parameters of surveys and studies, common definition of reading, taking into account of different book formats … The study suggests the steps necessary for the definition of a common methodology, which would then make it possible to compare with more relevance and reliability the results of different countries, and draw lessons.
The report on the study of translations and exchanges of rights – produced by the association of Norwegian publishers – draws more or less the same conclusions: a harmonized methodology is necessary to harmonize the data obtained and facilitate their use. The study notes that a number of European countries have yet to initiate research in this area, and Aldus Up’s work may enable them to initiate a more informed approach.
« These reports are a first step before the proposal of a common methodology for surveys, in order to help Europe to make a qualitative leap in the statistical analysis of the publishing sector: collecting homogeneous data is an essential prerequisite. for effective support for reading and translation at European level », Underlined Piero Attanasio, in charge of the international within the association of the Italian publishers and scientific director of Aldus Up.
Photographie : illustration, Paul Bence, CC BY-NC 2.0
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