Difficulties of scientific publishing in academic books: An analytical study of the influencing factors from the perspective of Mosul University lecturers

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the challenges of scholarly publishing in academic books from the perspective of faculty members at the University of Mosul, as well as the factors influencing these challenges. A stratified sample of faculty members from eight humanities colleges was selected, and a 27-item questionnaire was distributed to 165 participants to collect and analyze data. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach. 

The results revealed that the lack of time allocated for scientific research due to the heavy workload of university teaching responsibilities was one of the most significant barriers to academic book publishing, with 91.01% of respondents identifying it as a major obstacle. In contrast, the least significant barrier, according to the participants, was the scarcity of available books, references, and recent studies, cited by 68.99% of respondents. 

Among the key recommendations of the study were reducing the pressures and burdens of university teaching duties on faculty members to enable them to dedicate more time and effort to academic writing and publishing. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of activating financial and moral support systems, incentive programs, publishing discounts, and other measures provided by educational institutions to promote academic publishing projects in general, and book publishing in particular.