The Top 5 Publishing Companies of 2025: Why Librarians Prefer These Industry Giants
The global publishing landscape continues to evolve, with five major companies dominating the industry and maintaining strong relationships with libraries worldwide. The biggest book publishing companies globally are Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachette Book Group, commonly referred to as the “Big Five” (1). Understanding why librarians value these publishers reveals the complex symbiotic relationship between content creators and information gatekeepers.
The Publishing Powerhouses
As of 2023, the global book publishing industry has a market size of $114.9 billion, with the Big Five accounting for a significant market share (1, 2). These publishers have maintained their dominance through strategic acquisitions, diverse catalogs, and adaptive business models that serve both traditional and digital markets.
Penguin Random House stands as the world’s largest trade publisher, formed through the 2013 merger of Penguin and Random House (1). The company’s extensive catalog spans literary fiction, commercial bestsellers, and specialized
imprints that cater to diverse readerships. Their commitment to maintaining backlist titles makes them particularly valuable to libraries seeking comprehensive collections.
HarperCollins, owned by News Corp, has built a reputation for both blockbuster titles and literary excellence (1). Their global reach and multi-format publishing strategy align well with libraries’ need for materials in various formats and languages.
Simon & Schuster, recently acquired by KKR from ViacomCBS, remains a significant force in both trade and educational publishing (1). Their strong children’s and young adult divisions make them essential partners for public libraries serving diverse age groups.
Macmillan Publishers distinguishes itself through its commitment to literary quality and innovative digital initiatives (1). Their approach to library lending and institutional sales has evolved to better serve library needs.
Hachette Book Group, part of Hachette Livre, brings an international perspective and strong author relationships, resulting in critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles (1).
Why Librarians Value These Publishers
The relationship between major publishers and librarians has become increasingly collaborative, moving beyond simple vendor-customer dynamics. Michael Reynolds, editor-in-chief of Europa Editions, views libraries and publishers as star-crossed lovers that have been kept apart for as long as possible, finally meeting in the same room at recent industry conferences, highlighting the growing recognition of their interdependence (3).
Comprehensive Collection Development: Librarians appreciate these publishers for their ability to provide diverse content that meets the varied needs of their communities. The Big Five maintain extensive backlists, ensuring that libraries can build comprehensive collections spanning decades of publishing history (1,2). This depth is crucial for
https://www.nlc.org/article/2025/05/23/data-centers-and-local-environmental-considerations/
academic libraries supporting research and public libraries serving multigenerational audiences.
Professional Services and Support: Major publishers invest in library services divisions that understand the unique needs of institutional buyers. They provide professional development opportunities, advance reading copies for collection development, and specialized cataloging information that streamlines library workflows. Developing a strong relationship with distributors and wholesalers is key to success at libraries, and these publishers maintain robust distribution networks that ensure reliable access to new releases (3).
Digital Innovation and Accessibility: The library eBook landscape has been evolving over the past decade, and libraries have seen strong interest in digital content, including eBooks and audiobooks, during the pandemic (3,4). The Big Five have developed sophisticated digital lending models that strike a balance between publisher concerns about revenue cannibalization and library needs for accessible content. Their investment in accessible formats, including audiobooks and materials for patrons with visual impairments, aligns with the library’s commitment to serving all community members.
Quality Assurance and Editorial Standards: Librarians value the rigorous editorial processes these publishers maintain (1,2). Professional editing, fact-checking, and production standards ensure that library collections meet quality expectations. This is particularly important for academic libraries, where scholarly accuracy is paramount, and public libraries serving as community information hubs.
Author Diversity and Representation: The major publishers have increasingly prioritized diverse voices and perspectives, responding to libraries’ commitment to inclusive collections (2,3). Their resources enable them to support emerging authors and translate works from international markets, expanding the cultural scope of library offerings.
Challenges and Future Collaboration
Despite these positive relationships, challenges remain. Pricing models for digital content, embargoes on new releases, and licensing restrictions continue to create tension (3, 4). However, a librarian, digital aggregator, and publisher will discuss lending models, libraries’ challenges in meeting patron demand within their budgets, and ways to increase transparency in data, thereby directly increasing collaboration between librarians and publishers (4,5).
The future of publisher-library relationships appears increasingly collaborative (3,4). As information consumption patterns continue evolving, both parties recognize their mutual dependence. Publishers need libraries as crucial access points for readers, while libraries depend on publishers for quality content that serves their communities.
The Big Five publishers have earned librarians’ respect through their commitment to quality, innovation, and service (1,2). As digital transformation continues reshaping the information landscape, these partnerships will likely deepen, driven by shared goals of connecting readers with meaningful content and supporting literacy in all its forms.
Sources
- MW Editing. “5 biggest book publishing companies: A guide for authors.” September 20, 2024. https://www.mwediting.com/biggest-book-publishing-companies/
- Zippia. “The 15 Largest Publishing Companies In The World.” May 12, 2023. https://www.zippia.com/advice/largest-publishing-companies/
- Library Journal. “The First of Many Conversations: Librarians and Independent Publishers Come Together at IndieLib 2024.” April 11, 2024. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/the-first-of-many-conversations-librarians-and-independent-publishers-come-together-at-indielib-2024
- 2024 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition. “Library Insights Summit.” May 18, 2023. https://2024.alaannual.org/library-insights-summit
- 2024 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition. “2024 Library Insights Summit.” May 23, 2024. https://2024.alaannual.org/2024-library-insights-summit