Funkcje informacji o serii wydawniczej (na przykładzie okładek książek popularnonaukowych)

Abstract

Starting with considerations on cover role and function, the author shows how scientific interest in covers has intensified and became profiled nowadays. At the same time, the author indicates that research emphasizes the supportive character of the cover with respect to the main text. The author notes that not all messages placed on covers serve that task. One of such elements is selected as the subject for analysis – information about series placed in popular science works – to examine how they are developed and what detailed tasks they serve. The analyses comprise different series signs (series name, mark, descriptions, information about publications included in the series) and prove they have diverse functions: (1) they indicate the series (e.g. its scope, subject) and fix it in the memory of a reader (the basic task), but also (2) increase publication attractiveness, (3) suggest to the recipient that the publisher has developed a deliberate strategy for knowledge popularisation, cares about the continuity and consistency of its actions, (4) become an element of self-promotion in marketing – they create a picture of the publishing house as an institution that serves social interest, (5) allow the readers to make assumptions about a specific publication they encounter, and offer suggestions for further reading. Analyses have also shown that publishers usually ensure that the concept of the series and series signals placed on the covers are harmonised with popular science publications and correspond to their character.