Research Of Chinese Publishing-On-demand Status And Problems

Publishing-On-Demand(POD) is a new kind mode of publishing, printing books when needed directly from information stored in computer system using technologies such as advanced data processing, digital printing and network system, which reduce mid-link like plate making, it’s truly "first sale of printing". Less printing limit than traditional mode, the costs are significantly reduced especially when small-volume. The "long tail theory" can be applied in the POD to full fill different demand of market, not only protecting the cultural heritage but also boosting the publication of short version and off version. The POD was originated from oversea, which is a mature business mode and profited well in Europe and America. Due to different national conditions, the POD in China takes shape with years’ development after firstly introduced by Intellectual Property Office of Intellectual Property Publishing House, but is still in growth stage. Thereby discussion around China’s POD restricting factors and seeking a reasonable way to develop POD are needed with great significance to publishing industry. The publishing philosophy, technology and sales are mainly obstacles to the development of POD in china. On the other hand, more constrains such as publication policy, economic, market, hardware, software, copyright and personnel issues are present. Hence, making more emphasis and in-deep discussion are important to the foundation solution of the development of POD, which can help the growth of POD in China more smoothly. Thus the return and inventory backlog worried by press long can be solved.