News: Academic Publishing Weekly

Researchers share mixed feelings on AI, the latest Serials Price Projection Report, and the current state of interlibrary loans

Posted on October 10, 2025 in News

STM’s New AI Portal and Researchers Remove Rose-Colored Glasses

Wiley has published the results from the second iteration of its ExplanAItions study. The study surveyed over 2,400 researchers, revealing that despite an uptick in AI usage, researchers are “moving beyond hype toward nuanced, evidence-based adoption.” For instance, Wiley shared that researchers increasingly cited concerns over accuracy and privacy. Respondents also continue to feel under supported by institutions and publishers when it comes to guidelines and training. Next, the International Association of Scientific, Technical & Medical Publishers (STM) released the AI Portal, a one-stop shop for information on AI guidance, tools, copyright, and researcher insights. As noted by STM, the portal aims to “help our members and the broader community navigate the evolving intersection of AI and academic publishing.”

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Announcing AIP Fusion and MDPI’s First Consortium Partnership in the US

Physical sciences publisher AIP Publishing (AIPP) revealed a new OA model it’s calling AIP Fusion. Beginning in 2026, AIP Fusion will provide researchers affiliated with a pilot group of institutions “unlimited reading and publishing services in AIPP’s full portfolio of 40+ journals under one simple, transparent agreement.” AIP Fusion does not include article processing charges (APCs) and instead sets fees based on “an institution’s legacy publishing activity and usage history.” Next, MDPI is partnering with the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (CARL). The agreement is MDPI’s first with a consortium in the US and will enter CARL’s 16 libraries and institutions into MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP).

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EBSCO’s Serials Price Projection and Baker & Taylor Faces Closure

EBSCO Information Services published its latest Serials Price Projection Report, suggesting a rise in publishers’ costs in 2026. In particular, the report posits “average publisher price increases in the range of three and a half to five and a half percent, before currency impact.” The report also acknowledges the impact of market factors such as university budget challenges. Next up, Baker & Taylor plans to sunset its operations following last week’s news of its cancelled deal with ReaderLink. Publishers Weekly reported that Baker & Taylor has since laid off “about 520 employees…and plans to wind down the business by January.”

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The Trump Administration’s Impact on Interlibrary Loans

The combination of tariffs and the “elimination of fee exemptions for items under $800” is creating chaos for academic libraries, as reported by Emanuel Maiberg of 404 Media. Interlibrary loans have been hit particularly hard, as many titles are stuck in customs, and some countries have decided to cease shipping to the United States. Maiberg also underlined that custom agents are confused over how to process titles, leaving librarians frustrated since they are lending, not selling, materials. Jessica Bower Relevo of Yale University Library emphasized, “If we can’t do [interlibrary loans] anymore, or at least there’s a barrier to doing that internationally, then researchers have to go back to old ways of doing things.” In response, the American Library Association’s (ALA) International Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Committee designed a website with guidance for librarians. [404 Media]

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Island Press Joins PUP and the US National Book Awards Releases its Shortlist

Princeton University Press (PUP) is welcoming a new imprint, Island Press. Beginning in January, PUP will obtain “publishing and rights responsibility” and handle the marketing of all Island Press titles. PUP underscored that it will maintain Island Press’s mission to “elevate voices of change, shine a spotlight on crucial issues, and focus attention on sustainable solutions.” Turning to book prizes, the US National Book Awards announced its shortlist. The 25-title list was whittled down from an original 1,835 submissions. The winners in nonfiction, fiction, young people’s literature, poetry, and translated literature will be crowned in November. Stay tuned!

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