PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association and Sagebrush Corporation recently met to resolve concerns and issues among publishers, authors, and rebinders regarding the practice of rebinding paperback books, agreeing on a collaborative arrangement that works to protect the publishers and authors while still meeting the needs of the educational marketplace.

Historically rebinders have assumed the right to rebind unless a publisher explicitly requested their paperback books not be rebound. In addition, it was required that a new ISBN be assigned to clearly designate the rebound books as a different format for circulation. This was a satisfactory arrangement as the resulting rebound books were sold almost exclusively into school libraries and did not create confusion in the larger book market.

However, with the advent of the Internet these titles which were intended for the school and library market, are available in the general book market, causing confusion as to who was the actual publisher of the work.

In an effort to avoid this confusion, Sagebrush has agreed to solicit a

Re-Binding License agreement from each publisher with whom they work, obtaining the publisher’s permission to rebind their titles or to allow the publisher to withhold that permission. There will also be provisions to allow rebinding for a publisher, but identify titles that should not be rebound for that publisher or to limit the channels for distribution of the resulting product. Through this process, Sagebrush will work with publishers to determine if the rebound books should bear the ISBN issued to them by the publisher or continue to be identified by an ISBN issued directly to Sagebrush. Further, the publisher cap://quest that the name and/or logo of the Publisher be duplicated on the rebound cover.

As I say in the press release PMA is sending out: “We applaud Sagebrush for taking the right steps in assuring that all future rebound material will be under the direction of the publishing company who owns the product, and many PMA members and other publishers will perhaps find new doors of opportunity opening to them through this agreement.” We will work with others in the industry who may not yet be incorporating this policy within their company.

Margo Osadchuk, VP of Sagebrush Education Resources, made a statement for the release too. “We are pleased to be able to be on the forefront of this collaborative effort with the publishers in our industry,” she said, adding, “We look forward to additional opportunities to work together in both our best interests and the best interest of our customers.”