Report by Hervé Gaymard on the book situation

The economic sector of books can be considered as the first of the cultural industries: the book market represents an annual turnover of nearly 5 billion euros in 2007. Since the Middle Ages and the beginning of printing, commercial uses have been established. In the 20th century, different kinds of prices governed the book trade (administered prices, recommended prices, discount in supermarkets). The law of 10 August 1981 regulated the price of books (single price, allowing only a 5% discount). This report of the Commission chaired by Hervé Gaymard proposes a review of the law, which he considers positive, as the objectives have been achieved (maintenance and development of the broadcasting network, vitality and diversity of editorial creation). It makes a comparison with the price regimes of books (free or fixed prices) in other countries and their impact on production, sales, reading practices... According to the Commission, the amendment to the Act would have a detrimental effect on the book industry. However, it proposes new measures for the sector, such as lengthening payment periods, support schemes and extending the opening hours for libraries to the public. There is also the question of the digital book, since the decisive factors of the "emergence" of digital publishing are not yet present (problems of the search for the economic model, piracy, respect for copyright...).