Background on the Partnership and Survey Initiative
BookNet Canada and the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) have once again joined forces to launch the 2026 AI in the Book Industry Survey. This initiative builds directly on the success of the 2025 edition, which gathered 559 responses from professionals across the North American book supply chain. The survey seeks to capture current experiences, concerns, priorities, and expectations surrounding artificial intelligence among publishing professionals, librarians, booksellers, distributors, printers, technology providers, and related service organizations in both Canada and the United States.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing the industry with reliable, data-driven insights. Results from the previous survey highlighted that AI adoption remains uneven and often exploratory, with a mix of cautious optimism and notable concerns. The 2026 version expands the scope to track how adoption, attitudes, opportunities, and challenges are evolving over time.
Key Details of the 2026 Survey
The survey is currently open and will remain available through July 17, 2026. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete, with all responses kept anonymous. Participation is encouraged from anyone working anywhere in the book publishing supply chain, including independent and freelance professionals. The expanded questionnaire aims to deliver a more comprehensive view of AI integration across the sector.
By gathering perspectives from a broad range of roles, the organizations intend to inform future resources, educational programming, and industry guidance. The results will again be released in a free public report, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders.
Insights from the 2025 Survey and What Has Changed
The 2025 survey revealed that nearly half of respondents reported using AI in some capacity, yet qualitative feedback was overwhelmingly negative in tone. Many professionals described adoption as proceeding faster than comfort levels allow. Use was particularly low in areas such as rights and licensing management, where only a small percentage of respondents indicated active implementation.
These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring. The 2026 survey will allow direct comparison to identify shifts in usage patterns, sentiment, and priority areas over the intervening year. Librarians and publishing professionals alike noted both promising applications and persistent uncertainties around ethical use, quality control, and long-term impacts.
Relevance to Canadian University Libraries and Academic Publishing
University libraries across Canada play a central role in the scholarly communication ecosystem. The survey’s inclusion of library professionals makes its findings particularly pertinent for Canadian higher education institutions navigating AI tools for collection management, research support, and digital preservation. Academic libraries are often early adopters of new technologies that affect how faculty and students access and produce knowledge.
Canadian university presses and library publishing programs stand to benefit from clearer data on AI adoption trends. These insights can help inform institutional strategies around open access, copyright considerations, and the responsible integration of AI-assisted workflows in scholarly output.
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Implications for Academics, Researchers, and PhD Candidates
For academics and researchers in Canada, understanding AI trends in publishing is essential. The survey results can shed light on how AI is reshaping manuscript preparation, peer review processes, and the dissemination of research findings. PhD-track job seekers considering careers in academic publishing, scholarly communication, or library science will find the data valuable for anticipating skill requirements and workplace expectations.
University administrators may use the findings to guide professional development programs and to align library and press operations with emerging industry standards. The survey also highlights opportunities for Canadian institutions to contribute to and learn from North American-wide discussions on AI ethics and best practices.
Challenges and Concerns Identified in Prior Research
Previous data indicated widespread apprehension regarding AI’s impact on job roles, content quality, and intellectual property. Concerns around bias in AI-generated outputs and the need for human oversight remain prominent. These issues are especially relevant in academic contexts where accuracy, attribution, and scholarly integrity are paramount.
The 2026 survey will provide updated perspectives on whether these concerns have intensified or whether new priorities have emerged as tools mature. Canadian higher education stakeholders can use this information to advocate for policies that support both innovation and ethical safeguards.
How Canadian Institutions and Professionals Can Participate
Participation is straightforward via the official survey link. BookNet Canada and BISG encourage broad distribution among colleagues to ensure robust representation from Canadian voices. University libraries, presses, and research offices are well positioned to promote the survey internally and to incorporate findings into strategic planning.
Results will be shared publicly, allowing Canadian institutions to benchmark their own AI adoption against national and continental trends. This transparency supports collaborative efforts to develop resources tailored to the needs of academic communities.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Monitoring
AI adoption in the book industry is expected to continue evolving rapidly. By committing to annual surveys, BookNet Canada and BISG are establishing a valuable longitudinal dataset. Canadian higher education stands to gain from this sustained attention, particularly as universities adapt teaching, research, and publishing practices to new technological realities.
The initiative demonstrates the value of cross-border collaboration in addressing shared challenges. Canadian stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the survey and subsequent reports to ensure their perspectives shape the conversation.
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Actionable Steps for University Administrators and Librarians
University leaders can begin by reviewing the 2025 report to identify immediate areas for attention, such as staff training on AI tools or policy development around content generation. Librarians may consider piloting AI applications in areas where adoption has been slower, while monitoring ethical guidelines.
PhD candidates and early-career academics should explore how AI competencies align with emerging job descriptions in scholarly publishing and library services. Staying informed through the upcoming 2026 report will support strategic career planning.
Conclusion: A Data-Driven Path Forward for Canadian Higher Education
The 2026 AI in the Book Industry Survey represents an important opportunity for Canadian universities, libraries, and academic professionals to contribute to and benefit from industry-wide intelligence. By participating and engaging with the results, stakeholders can help shape responsible AI adoption that supports the core missions of research, teaching, and knowledge dissemination.
As the survey period progresses, the collective input from Canadian voices will strengthen the final report’s relevance and utility. This collaborative effort underscores the interconnected nature of publishing and higher education in an era of rapid technological change.