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What is "The Year of the University Press"? And Why?

The Association of American University Presses (AAUP) and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) are pleased to announce the designation of 2004 as the "Year of the University Press." This year-long focus on university presses is intended to celebrate the important role presses play in the scholarly communications process. The campaign is an outgrowth of a recent formal recognition by the two organizations of their complementary roles in the scholarly communications system and the need to work together in this time of economic and technological turbulence to ensure a strong system for the future.

Throughout 2004, libraries will seek to raise the visibility of presses on campus by featuring university press works in exhibits, inviting university press authors and publishing professionals as speakers, publishing articles about innovative library-press partnerships in library and campus newsletters, and fostering local and national discussions on scholarly publishing with press and library participation.

Through these activities, the AAUP and ARL hope to:
* build an appreciation of the depth and breadth of works published by university presses;
* increase understanding among faculty, students, administrators, and librarians of the mission and function of university presses;
* stimulate serious discussion of the future of university presses within their institutions and in scholarly communication; and
* encourage innovative projects in scholarly communication among libraries and presses.

"This focus on university presses is a generous first step in what we hope will be a long-standing collaboration between the AAUP and ARL," states Peter Givler, Executive Director of the AAUP. "The understandings reached and discussions begun in 2004 should serve as a solid foundation for helping libraries and publishers achieve their mutual goal of helping to advance knowledge."

Duane Webster, Executive Director of ARL, notes, " As a key market for university press works, research libraries are delighted to help promote the value of presses to the academic community. Understanding the unique contributions presses make to scholarly communications is critical to ensuring effective partnerships in creating future systems."

To help libraries and presses implement the "Year of the University Press" campaign, the AAUP and ARL have developed a kit that will be sent to all AAUP and ARL members. The materials from the kit will be made available online for use by all libraries and presses who wish to support this project. The AAUP and ARL will recognize creative and effective ideas for promoting the "Year of the University Press" at their June and October meetings, respectively.