Jassin Resigns as NYCIP Chair

Lloyd Jassin has resigned as chairman of the executive committee of the New York Center for Independent Publishing, citing differences with the General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen, which provides the financial support for NYCIP. The publishing committee has been at odds with GSMT since the dismissal of NYCIP director Karin Taylor in February.

Consumer Group Protests Google Deal

The consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has asked the Justice Department to delay the Google—AAP/Authors Guild settlement until provisions regarding a most favored nation clause and orphan works can be reviewed. The group alleges that the agreement does not take into account the public interest.

Quebecor in Creditor Deal

Quebecor has reached an agreement in principle with its major creditors on a reorganization plan that will allow it to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Although terms were not disclosed, Quebecor said the agreement “is consistent with [its] stated objective of exiting creditor protection with a strong balance sheet.” The printing giant filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. and Canada in early 2008, and hopes to file a complete reorganization plan in both countries by the end of April.

NavPress Cuts Nine

A reorganization at NavPress has resulted in the elimination of nine positions. The evangelical Christian publisher divided its book publishing operations into trade publishing and direct publishing groups. Sue Kline will lead the trade group, while Mike Linder will lead the direct team. NavPress will discontinue publication of its two magazines, Discipleship Journal and Pray!, while enhancing the magazines’ Web presence.

Readers Privacy Campaign Revved Up

The Campaign for Reader Privacy sent a memo to Congress last week as the start of a new effort to have the USA Patriot Act revised before its likely extension by the end of the year. The memo notes that the Patriot Act, particularly Section 215, eliminated safeguards protecting the confidentiality of the records of bookstore customers and library patrons, and has had a chilling effect on First Amendment rights. The CPR does not oppose the extension of Section 215, but it does seek to exempt bookstore and library records from its provisions.

Author Solutions Buys Trafford

Author Solutions continued to expand its hold on the self-publishing market last week with the acquisition of Trafford Publishing. The purchase of Trafford, based in British Columbia and with a presence in the U.K., will help to accelerate Author Solutions’ international expansion.

Some Support For CBA Confab

The Canadian Booksellers Association’s newly announced conference set for June 20 and 21 has received some backing from publishers. Penguin Canada is the largest house to commit to taking a table-top display, and a number of independent booksellers said they will be in Toronto for the meeting.