Articles
Seeing the forest: why publishers and readers need to take a fresh look at print and online publishing to create a sustainable information industry
Abstract
The emerging debate over whether print or online publishing is better for the environment is complicated by the fact that there is not yet a measurement system that publishers, readers, librarians and other interested parties can go by. Both mediums have their pros and cons. Paper is made from a renewable resource, but the supply chain involved in getting a book from printer to reader is extremely inefficient, both economically and in terms of climate impact. Eâ€books and databases have a considerable environmental impact due to the way they are stored as well as the necessary electronics needed to access them, but professionals as well as the public often assume eâ€publications are better for the environment. The industry needs ways to quantify its ecological footprint before it can make informed decisions.
How to Cite:
Christensen, K. and Siever, B., 2010. Seeing the forest: why publishers and readers need to take a fresh look at print and online publishing to create a sustainable information industry. Serials, 23(1), pp.20–24. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1629/2320
Published on
03 Mar 2010.
Peer Reviewed
Downloads
