Challenging the definitions of publishing

Academic libraries are increasingly launching their own publishing programmes. Libraries have a long history of stewarding scholarly literature. Increasingly, they are applying their knowledge of the scholarly communications process to launch their own publishing programs. The goal is to disseminate unique and original content, and showcase their campus’ contributions to knowledge. As the Library Publishing Coalition attests, it has found a valuable and expanding niche. Pushing the boundaries of what is considered publishing may in fact be one of library publishing’s greatest strengths, writes Sarah Lippincott, a scholarly communication and digital scholarship consultant.