Why do some books have publication dates that are in the future?

Question

I'm a copy cataloger at a large midwestern university, and lately I've been noticing books coming in with "2007" publication dates. From what I understand about copyright law, the publication date indicates the date that the book is to be made available to the public (as opposed to printing dates or copyright dates). Is it just a matter of getting a book out sooner than anticipated? Are there any legal problems if a book is made available sooner (or later) than its offical publication date?

Answer 1

I'm not completely sure I understand what you're asking but here goes. The publication/release date is when the book will be available to the public. If the book is put out on the shelves before that date it will affect the authors numbers in regards to # sold that applys to best selling lists, etc. Also, if a bookstore knowingly puts a book out early, they are in violation of their contract with the author/publisher and can be penalized. (of course this usually doesn't happen with the BIG name authors but it does happen)

Answer 2

I'm not sure how it works with a university library, but with bookstores, certain books have an SOS (Strict On Sale) or Street Date, meaning the book can't be sold before that time, and if it is, the seller can be penalized. Most of these are anticipated titles such as the recent "Hannibal Rising". Often, the store will actually get the book weeks before, but not be able to sell it.
My understanding of this process is that allows both big name dealers and ma and pa type stores equal footing...the book is on sale at all places at the same time and no one is getting a monopoly...even though the larger stores win out.
Unless you get some sort of notification from the publisher, I'd say it's safe to put a book on the shelf...even if the publication date is 2007.

Answer 3

I'm not sure why either. I work as a reference librarian at a small community college and noticed a couple books on our new books shelves that had 2007 publication dates and I wondered about it too. Hmmm, curious...

Answer 4

1949