The impact of new information technologies on the book publishing process: A phenomenology study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to survey the views of Iranian publishers about the impacts of information technology on different aspects of the book publishing process and the resulted developments and changes. Methodology: The method used is phenomenology with a descriptive approach. The samples consisting of 8 publishers and publishing experts were selected through purposeful sampling method. Based on the Colaizzi's method, the desired data were collected, recorded, described, interpreted and, analyzed. Findings: Three clusters, sixteen concepts, and nine sub-concepts were classified. The main clusters are “importance of Information technology”, “changes in content production”, and “changes in publishing and business development”. The results indicate a clear image of the experience of publishers and stakeholders in the field of publishing and a positive view of the importance and impact of information technologies. Conclusion: All respondents have emphasized the positive impact of information technology on the structure and nature of the publishing process.

Keywords

• information technologies
• book publishing process
• publishers
• phenomenology