Association of American Publishers

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) is the national trade association of the American book publishing industry. AAP has more than 300 members, including most of the major commercial publishers in the United States, as well as smaller and non-profit publishers, university presses and scholarly societies. Former U.S. congresswoman Patricia Schroeder served as the association's CEO from 1997 until 2009, taking over the role from two time US Ambassador and Assistant Secretary of State Nicholas A. Veliotes. On May 1, 2009 former U.S. congressman Tom Allen took over as president and CEO.

Activities

AAP members publish hardcover and paperback books in every field, educational materials for the elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and professional markets, scholarly journals, computer software, and electronic products and services.

The association's core programs deal with intellectual property; new technology and digital issues of concern to publishers; the freedom to read, censorship and libel; the freedom to publish; funding for education and libraries; postal rates and regulations; tax and trade policy; and international copyright enforcement.

Controversy

AAP was criticized after it contracted Eric Dezenhall's crisis management firm to promote its position regarding the open access movement. Schroeder told the Washington Post the association hired Dezenhall when members realized they needed help. "We thought we were angels for a long time and we didn't need PR firms."

See also

• International Publishers Association
• American Publishers Association
• Society for Scholarly Publishing

External links

• AAP website