Print-on-demand in book publishing in South Africa for the past decade

Abstract

The aim of the research is to investigate the use of print-on-demand (POD) technology and to describe the challenges and benefits of using POD technology in South Africa compared to the rest of the world. In light of technological advancements in the 21st century, the research gives an account of the progress made in the use of POD technology from the perspective of trade publishers, printing entities, booksellers, self-publishing providers, academic presses and from university libraries in the past decade, from 2009 to 2019. According to research findings, POD is useful for reprints, self-publishers, academic presses and trade publishers. However, there are not able disadvantages when it comes to quality and page limitations that makes POD not an ideal option, especially for certain genres like cookbooks or graphic books with high resolution images. The distinguishable differences with authentic POD, short-run digital printing (SRDP) and offset printing gives the publishing industry options that affects cash flows, accessibility, demand of books and added value to end users