A panel discussion on the subject “Challenges of Contemporary Publishing” was held on the last day of the 14th International Book Fair in Podgorica, April 11, and the participants were: Anastazija Miranović, director of the National Museum of Montenegro, Zoran Hamović, chief editor of the “Clio” publishing company, and Milorad Milović, head of the Bibliographic Department of the National Library of Montenegro. The moderator was M.Sc. Ksenija Rakočević.

Mr. Hamović spoke about the degraded position of the book, which, as he pointed out, has led to a decrease in interest in the book.

“The book no longer provides the power that has been driven from the ability to use the knowledge acquired through reading. Regarding the future of the book, it is expected that the electronic content of the questionable quality in terms of data sources will be increasingly read”, he said.

Anastazija Miranović explained that the National Museum of Montenegro in its published publications carefully nurtures awareness of the need for the preservation of cultural heritage and it often participates as a co-publisher with other institutions.

“Current trends may bring reduced availability of the book, but at the same time they will restore its exclusivity and increase its value”, said Miranović.

Milorad Milović noted the reduced visits to the libraries, but highlighted digitization that the National Library put into practice as a good way to preserve the book.

“The library decided to digitize books from two reasons. The first is to protect the original from further use and wear, and the other is to increase availability and make it easier for readers”, concluded Milović.