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Wiley: A Legacy in Scholarly Communication

Navigating the Evolution of Publishing from the 19th Century to the Digital Age.

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About Wiley

The Publisher

John Wiley & Sons, Inc., commonly known as Wiley, is an American multinational publishing company. It primarily focuses on academic publishing and instructional materials, serving researchers, students, and professionals worldwide.

Founding & Origins

Established in 1807 by Charles Wiley in Manhattan, New York City, Wiley began as a print shop. Initially publishing literary figures of the 19th century, it later shifted its focus to scientific, technical, and engineering disciplines.

Global Reach

Wiley operates globally, with a significant presence in North America, Europe, India, and Brazil. Its distribution network ensures its content reaches academic institutions and professionals across continents.

Historical Trajectory

Early Years & Literary Roots

Founded in 1807, Wiley initially published prominent American literary figures such as James Fenimore Cooper, Washington Irving, Herman Melville, and Edgar Allan Poe. The firm adopted its current name, John Wiley & Sons, in 1865.

Shift to Science & Technology

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wiley strategically pivoted its focus towards scientific, technical, and engineering (STME) subjects, abandoning its literary interests to cater to the growing demand for specialized knowledge.

  • 1807: Founded by Charles Wiley in Manhattan.
  • 1865: Firm officially named John Wiley & Sons.
  • 1960: Established European branch in London.
  • 1996: Acquired German technical publisher VCH.
  • 2007: Acquired Blackwell Publishing, forming Wiley-Blackwell.
  • 2010: Launched Wiley Online Library.
  • 2021: Acquired Hindawi and J&J Editorial.

Strategic Acquisitions

Wiley has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions, integrating key players like Blackwell Publishing (2007), creating Wiley-Blackwell, and later acquiring specialized firms such as eJournalPress (2021) and Hindawi (2021) to expand its portfolio and digital capabilities.

Product Portfolio

Professional Development

Wiley's Professional Development division offers renowned brands like For Dummies, Jossey-Bass, Pfeiffer, Wrox Press, and Sybex, providing practical guides and resources for career advancement and skill enhancement.

Academic & Scientific

Under the Wiley-Blackwell umbrella, the company publishes approximately 1,600 scholarly journals and extensive reference works across life sciences, medicine, physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It also manages The Cochrane Library.

Digital Platforms

Key digital offerings include Wiley Online Library, a comprehensive platform for journals and books, and WileyPLUS, an interactive online learning environment designed for higher education courses, integrating texts with media resources.

Corporate Framework

Governance & Ownership

Wiley has been publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WLY, WLYB) since 1995. The company maintains a balance between independent management and ongoing involvement from the founding family, with sixth-generation members holding board positions.

Business Divisions

Wiley's operations are structured into three primary divisions:

  • Scientific, Technical, Medical, and Scholarly (STMS): Also known as Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Professional Development: Focused on career and skill enhancement resources.
  • Global Education: Encompassing higher education and online program management services.

Workforce

The company employs approximately 10,000 individuals globally. Its headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey, a move made in 2002.

Organizational Culture

Recognition & Accolades

Wiley has received numerous accolades for its workplace environment, including listings in Forbes' "400 Best Big Companies," Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For," and recognition for its commitment to diversity and employee well-being.

Sustainability Initiatives

As a signatory of the SDG Publishers Compact, Wiley actively supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Initiatives include achieving carbon neutrality and promoting reforestation efforts.

Workforce Adjustments

While recognized for its culture, Wiley has also undergone workforce reorganizations, including staff reductions and relocations of operations, particularly in its journal content management and marketing departments, to enhance efficiency.

Notable Controversies

AI & Author Rights

Wiley faced criticism in 2024 for its projected earnings from AI firms accessing its content for LLM training, with concerns raised about authors lacking an opt-out mechanism and the ethical implications of these data licensing deals.

Journal Integrity & Paper Mills

The company has been involved in controversies surrounding its journals, including editorial board resignations over contract disputes and the publication of papers generated by "paper mills." Wiley has taken steps to address these issues, including retracting thousands of compromised studies and closing some journals.

Legal Disputes

Wiley has been party to several significant legal cases, including copyright infringement suits related to the use of photographs and the sale of used textbooks. The landmark Kirtsaeng v. John Wiley & Sons case addressed the first-sale doctrine for goods manufactured abroad.

Climate Science & Fossil Fuels

Concerns have been raised regarding a potential conflict of interest due to Wiley publishing both climate change research and journals dedicated to fossil fuel exploration, suggesting incompatibility between these areas.

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References

References

  1.  Text of Hachette Book Group, Inc. v. Internet Archive is available from: CourtListener
A full list of references for this article are available at the Wiley (publisher) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding publishing, intellectual property, or business practices. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.