Information, Medium & Society: Nineteenth International Conference on Publishing Studies

Abstract

Information communication technologies (ICTs) like the internet, cell phones, and computers are critical to the success of modern book publishing. However, the continual usage of the manual method of editing poses a great challenge to the growth and development of book publishing industry in Nigeria. The objectives of this study are to investigate: level of awareness of Nigerian book editors on relevance of ICTs in editorial processes; and find out the extent of ICTs usage in the editorial processes. The study adopted the descriptive survey design, with the questionnaire and interview guide as instruments. Through census sampling technique, existing 156 book editors in South-West Nigeria were selected, along with six managerial staff of leading book publishing firms purposively selected and interviewed. Findings show that although book editors were largely aware of the computer, cell phone and flash drive as important ICT publishing tools, the traditional pen- and- paper method was predominantly used for copy-editing and galley-check. This shows a low level of engagement of ICTs in the book editorial processes in South-West in Nigeria. The study recommended increased engagement of ICT tools and staff training in modern book publishing techniques in Nigeria.