who determines what will be printed and how access to information limited with mass production of books?
Publishers determine what they will publish. Their decisions are usually made on the basis of what will earn them a profit. In other words, publishers reject books that they don't believe will sell very well.
A few books are self-published with the author paying for the printing, binding, and distribution. These books, though, aren't generally widely distributed -- so may not even be considered "mass production."
Libraries also determine which books they will buy.
To understand how access to information is limited in the mass production of books, we need to consider a few factors:
1. Publishing decisions: Publishers play a crucial role in determining what gets printed and distributed. They have the power to accept or reject manuscripts based on various criteria such as market demand, quality, profitability, and alignment with their publishing goals. This means that not all books that are written will necessarily get published.
2. Economic considerations: Publishers are profit-driven businesses, so they prioritize books that they believe will sell well and generate revenue. This can result in certain genres, popular authors, or commercially viable topics being favored over others. As a result, some perspectives or niche subjects may be overlooked or underrepresented in mass-produced books.
3. Accessibility through distribution channels: Mass-produced books generally rely on established distribution networks through which they reach retailers, bookstores, and libraries. These channels have limited physical space and resources, which means they can't store or display an unlimited number of books. As a result, popular books and bestsellers often take up a significant share of the available resources, while lesser-known titles may receive less visibility or shelf space.
4. Libraries and their selection process: Libraries act as gatekeepers of information to some extent. They have acquisition policies and budget constraints that influence the selection of books they purchase for their collections. Libraries strive to cater to the needs and interests of their patrons while managing their resources effectively. This means they may not be able to acquire every book ever published, and their selection may be influenced by factors like popularity, relevance, and demand.
Overall, while mass production allows a wide range of books to be printed and distributed, the decisions made by publishers and the limitations of distribution channels can result in some restrictions on access to information. However, it's important to note that with advances in technology and the rise of digital publishing, access to a broader range of books and information is increasingly being democratized.