Talk of the Town: Monthly Publishing Industry News Digest

Global publishing and research continue to shift under the pressures of technological change, policy reform and international collaboration. From market insights at major book fairs to debates around open access, AI and the future of print collections, this curated round-up highlights the key issues shaping the sector right now.

• The Frankfurt Global Network: A Spotlight on International Markets

The Frankfurt Global Network brought publishing professionals from diverse international markets together to share insights into local challenges and opportunities in 2025. Contributors highlighted issues such as rising costs, political instability and shifting reading habits, alongside continued global interest in rights trading and cross-border collaboration. The programme underlined the importance of international networks in supporting resilience and growth, particularly for publishers in smaller or less stable markets. Learn more: Publishing Perspective

• Open Access Policies: The Devil’s in the Details

This Scholarly Kitchen article argues that while open access policies are well intentioned, their success depends heavily on technical implementation. Inconsistent metadata standards and complex compliance requirements make it difficult for authors and institutions to meet policy demands. The piece calls for better coordination and infrastructure to ensure open access goals are realised in practice. Read full article here: Scholarly Kitchen

• Libraries Coordinate Book Disposal to Safeguard Rare Texts

UK academic libraries have begun coordinating book disposal through the UK Print Book Collection scheme to ensure rare and valuable texts are not lost. Under the initiative, books can only be withdrawn if multiple copies are held collectively across participating libraries. The approach aims to balance space pressures with long-term preservation of research materials, promoting shared responsibility for print collections. Click here to read: Times Higher Education

• Endangered Indigenous Languages Were Featured at Shanghai’s Fair

The Shanghai International Book Fair placed a spotlight on publishing in endangered and Indigenous languages, drawing attention to efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage through books. Exhibitors and organisers emphasised the cultural value of these works and the role of collaboration in bringing them to wider audiences. The focus reflects a growing commitment among international book fairs to inclusivity and cultural diversity beyond purely commercial considerations. Read here: Publishing Perspective

• AI Isn’t Going to Pay for Content –  At Least Not How You’re Hoping It Will

The guest post challenges expectations that AI companies will generate significant revenue streams for publishers through content licensing. It explains that AI training is largely a one-off cost and increasingly relies on open or alternative sources rather than paid content. As a result, publishers are encouraged to rethink monetisation strategies and focus on value created through active, attributable use of content. Find out more: Scholarly Kitchen

• What 2026 Will Bring for Research

The Research Professional News outlook identifies key forces likely to shape research in 2026, including geopolitical pressures and the rapid expansion of AI. It predicts a shift towards more strategic deployment of AI tools, alongside reforms in research assessment and management. Together, these trends point to a research environment that is more structured, politicised and technologically driven. Learn more: Research Professional News

• Ethical AI Safeguards for the Research Revolution

This article explores how artificial intelligence is transforming research while raising serious ethical and governance concerns. It stresses the need for safeguards such as transparency, human oversight and clear accountability to prevent bias and misuse. Responsible frameworks, the piece argues, are essential if AI is to enhance rather than undermine research integrity. Read full article here: Scholarly Kitchen