Publishers Weekly records, 1909-2007

Creator:

Abstract:

This collection contains of Publishers Weekly's reference files on publishing houses. Most of the records consist of clippings from Publishers Weekly, but the files also include clippings from other sources, as well as advertisements, annual reports, brochures, catalogs, commemoratives, correspondence, histories, legal records, obituaries, programs, prospectuses, and survey responses.

Extent:

35.28 linear feet 84 manuscript boxes

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

This collection contains of "Publishers Weekly's" reference files on publishing houses. Most of the records consist of clippings from "Publishers Weekly", but the files also include clippings from other sources, as well as advertisements, annual reports, brochures, catalogs, commemoratives, correspondence, histories, legal records, obituaries, programs, prospectuses, and survey responses.

Biographical / historical:

"Publishers Weekly" (also known as "PW" since 2005) was founded in 1872 as "The Publishers' Weekly". It is the oldest journal dedicated to the book industry. Originally, the publication served as a catalog for publishers to provide information on new titles to booksellers in a cost-effective way. Over time, the publication expanded to include articles, features, and other items. Book reviews, which have become a major part of the publication, were not added until the 1940s.

"Publishers Weekly" was founded by R.R. Bowker, which owned and published "Publishers Weekly" until the company was purchased by Reed Publishing in 1985. Reed Publishing then placed "Publishers Weekly" under the management of Cahners Publishing Company. Reed Publishing subsequently merged with Elsevier to become Reed Elsevier in 1993. Currently"Publishers Weekly" is part of Reed Business Information, the business information division of Reed Elsevier. However, Reed Elsevier put Reed Business Information up for sale in February 2008, citing a desire to move away from businesses that are largely dependent on advertising sales. The future of "Publishers Weekly" remains unclear as it continues to define itself in the fast-changing publishing world.

Acquisition information:

This collection was: Source of acquisition--Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc., in. Method of acquisition--donated by; Date of acquisition--October 2007.

Processing information:

This collection was processed by Catherine N. Carson.

Finding aid written by Catherine N. Carson in April 2008.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged alphabetically by corporate name. There are some areas of inconsistency in the filing of publishing houses that have gone through name changes, mergers, or buyouts. These records may be found under the company's most recent name, but may also be filed separately under the names of all of the individual publishing houses. The files often contain cross-references for affiliated publishing houses.

Accruals:

No accruals expected

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Publishers Weekly records; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Collection