Book Price Trends In South Asia

March 2001

At the close of the second quarter (March) of the Library of Congress fiscal year, the New Delhi Office compiles and publishes its annual price analysis for the prior year along with a preliminary assessment of the current year. The good news is that book prices remain steady and, in some cases, lower than the prior year.

Overall participant acquisitions remain steady with no significant declines or increases. Fluctuations in the number of titles may be due to a number of factors outside of actual publishing fluctuations. Staff resignations and hirings may have an impact on the number of titles selected and cataloged in the languages. Book fairs can also have an impact on titles released; many publishers hold titles until there is a book fair so that they can display larger number of new releases.

The tables present acquisition figures from 1996 to the present. Cost represents cost per title in dollars; #pcs is the number of pieces acquired.

If you have questions or want additional information contact Carol L. Mitchell, Deputy Director of the New Delhi Office, Library of Congress.