Challenging the definitions of publishing | Sarah Lippincott | Research Information

"Academic libraries are increasingly launching their own publishing programmes, writes Sarah Lippincott.

Libraries have a long history of stewarding scholarly literature. Increasingly, they are applying their knowledge of and investment in the scholarly communications process to launch their own publishing programs that disseminate unique and original content and showcase their campus’ contributions to knowledge. Library publishing may look very different, in some cases, from traditional academic publishing, but as the Library Publishing Coalition’s growing membership attests, it has found a valuable and expanding niche.

Recently, a number of libraries in the United States have launched their own university presses or imprints, a model that had previously been more common in the UK and Australia. Lever Press, an initiative launched by the Oberlin Group colleges aims to build and sustain a digitally native, platinum OA press that publishes works 'aligned with the liberal arts college ethos.'

The University of Cincinnati Press, launched by the university library, will publish peer-reviewed, transdisciplinary works with 'a focus on publishing in social justice and community engagement.' Add to these the more than 30 university presses that now report to their libraries, and there’s no question that many academic libraries are directly engaging activities that meet traditional definitions of publishing...."