University presses see challenges, opportunities in digital publishing: confusion over business models poses formidable obstacle.(Foreword)

There are no shortages of digital surveys, and the Association of American University Presses has recently released the results of a survey about the digital strategies, technologies, and concerns of members as they pertain to their publishing programs. The report found that most presses have adopted a number of digital techniques, but questions remain about what to do next.

The most popular digital tool adopted by UPs is the use of short-run digital printing/print-on-demand for producing backlist titles, with 92% of presses reporting they use one of those options. Indeed, more and more university presses are publishing backlist only by POD, and a small but growing number of …