Book Week should be problem-oriented

The Culture and Publishing Service of Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) – Mahmoud Amoozgar, a veteran activist in the publishing sector, on the eve of the 33rd Book Week and on the sidelines of a visit to IBNA, referring to the 19th anniversary of the establishment of this media, stated: ‘The launch of IBNA as a news agency focused solely on books was a very important event. The reality is that we did not expect this media’s activity to continue. This media also had opponents because a budget was being spent, but fortunately, IBNA managed to continue its activities.’

He continued: ‘The result of this matter is also the concentration of information about books and an experience in the publishing industry that generally exists. In my opinion, these are great achievements that are now indebted to IBNA’s continued activity.’

Amoozgar, stating that when we look at IBNA’s activities, we see that it has truly reached a good point, added: ‘The publication of specialized interviews with influential figures in the book sector, as well as the preparation and dissemination of reports from international exhibitions in cases where direct presence of publishers is not possible, are among the recent commendable actions.’

According to him, decision-makers should note that IBNA is a great asset in the publishing industry, its benefits far outweighing its costs, and the positive aspects of IBNA’s activities provide suitable awareness to book enthusiasts.

The necessity of avoiding theatrical and repetitive approaches in Book Week

This publishing sector activist then referred to the holding of the 33rd Book Week and considered its most important impact to be ‘a real impact on increasing reading and policymaking,’ saying: ‘Unfortunately, issues raised 14 or 15 years ago still exist. The concentration of more than three-quarters of publishing activities in Tehran and the small share of other provinces still remains unresolved.’

Amoozgar, stating that one of the problems in this area is the gap between the center and the periphery, explained: ‘About three-quarters of publishing activity is concentrated in Tehran, and the share of other regions of the country is very limited; however, during the eleventh and twelfth governments, a series of efforts were made to bridge this gap. For example, at my suggestion and with careful planning, support for establishing bookstores in cities was provided through a 300 million Toman loan in cooperation with ‘Bank Shahr’, and over 150 bookstores were established with these loans.’

He further stated that one of the main problems in publishing is the non-implementation of the law and the lack of will to revoke the licenses of publishers who practically do not publish books, adding: ‘Despite the emphasis of professional activists, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has not yet made a firm decision in this regard. We have repeatedly stated this issue, but it seems there is no will to revoke the licenses of publishers who do not print books.’

The former head of the Tehran Publishers and Booksellers Union, emphasizing the avoidance of theatrical and repetitive approaches in Book Week, said: ‘Visiting bookstores for one day is a good initiative, but its outcome must be measurable in terms of increasing the per capita study rate. It is better to use the opportunity of Book Week to raise and thoroughly examine issues and provide corrective solutions.’

According to Amoozgar, the reality is that the effects of Book Week should be examined to see how much it has impacted the promotion of reading and the increase in per capita study. I believe that if anomalies, problems, and issues are addressed and various opinions are collected, decision-makers will have a tool to make better policies.’