An academic book: Statistics and reality

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study on the positioning of an academic book in the information market. The contribution and significance of academic books to the spheres of science and education has been noted. The quantitative characteristics illustrate the relative stagnation of an academic book publishing based on the data obtained from the Russian Book Chamber. Expert-based evaluations from the leading research and academic libraries indicate that the official statistics are somewhat overstated and the quality of academic books has declined.