LPC Blog

The Library Publishing Coalition Blog is used to share news and updates about the LPC and the Library Publishing Forum, to draw attention to items of interest to the community, and to publish informal commentaries by LPC members and friends.

October 3, 2025

Help Us Share Exceptional Work in Library Publishing!

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The LPC Showcase Week Task Force invites you to participate in Library Publishing Showcase Week 2026, a new annual advocacy campaign highlighting the creativity, innovation, and impact of library publishing programs. 

Deadline for submissions: November 1, 2025
Submit your work here: https://forms.gle/bmMSER2XrwzLJPED9

Please note that submission does not guarantee inclusion, though we will feature as many programs as we can.

Celebrate your publishing program!

Showcase Week is an opportunity to publicly share your work and demonstrate how library publishing benefits authors, students, researchers, and the broader scholarly community. You can submit anything that you’d like to promote that shows how instrumental your programs are! Consider submitting: 

  • successful publications, flipped journals, OER, or other publications
  • student publishing experiences, 
  • innovative programs or processes,  
  • impactful partnerships on campus or beyond

Or other projects that highlight and celebrate the contributions of library publishing programs within and beyond their communities.

Programs are welcome to submit more than one suggestion for inclusion in Showcase Week. 

Theme

For our inaugural showcase week, we are aligning with our forthcoming  library publishing advocacy campaign (more information soon!), “Library Publishing Creates.” Specifically, we’re looking to spotlight how library publishing programs create: 

  • Impact (e.g. increases visibility of publication, flexible copyright, non-traditional outputs, inclusive authorship opportunities)
  • Learning opportunities (e.g. student publication opportunities, training and support for editorial processes)
  • Cost savings (e.g. free to publish, sustainable publishing ecosystem)
  • Responsive services, tailored to local needs (e.g. how your program specifically fits your institution’s needs). 

Want to submit to the campaign but not sure what category your submission fits into? Not a problem! You’ll have the opportunity to indicate whether you feel your submission aligns with any of those categories, but there doesn’t need to be an explicit tie-in at this stage.  Just submit what you want to highlight and we’ll help figure out how it best fits within the framework of Showcase Week!

What to submit and how to incorporate it into the campaign

Submissions fall into two categories: 

  1. Promotional resources that have already been created. These can include existing press releases or reports that show the impact of the program. The task force will share these resources as is or work with you to ensure the resources align with Showcase Week templates. 
  2. The publication/program/process/partnership that you’d like to highlight. The task force will work with you to incorporate your submission into a template they’ve created to include in the campaign. Specifically, we’ll work with you (and provide questions/guidance) to create a: 
    1. Interview (written or multimedia) 
    2. Blog post
    3. Multimedia
    4. Another format that you think best meets your submission. 

As this is a pilot, the task force is still finalizing details of what each of these look like, but we’re open to suggestions and feedback on what format is the best fit for your submission.

Questions

For questions, email contact@librarypublishing.org.. 

Thank you—we look forward to seeing your submissions!

September 15, 2025

Library Publishing Coalition Releases 2024–2025 Annual Report

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Cover of LPC Annual Report 2024–2025The Library Publishing Coalition is pleased to announce the release of its 2024–2025 Annual Report.

In addition to outlining LPC’s finances, membership, and ongoing inclusion efforts, the Annual Report highlights several programmatic milestones, including: 

  • Our first consortial membership
  • A deep dive into accessibility, specifically updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • The new Connections Program organizing individual members to meet and share information every month
  • The launch of the University-Based Publishing Futures (UBPF) community 
  • The second edition of the Library Publishing Research Agenda

LPC is delighted to celebrate our community’s shared success. We encourage you to share this annual report with your colleagues and administrators.

Preservation Banner
September 15, 2025

LPC Launches Quick Guides to Digital Preservation for Library Publishers

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The Preservation Working Group is pleased to announce the launch of its new digital preservation resources page, which includes four quick guides that introduce digital preservation to library publishers. Created on the recommendations of LPC’s Preservation Task Force (2021-2023), these guides fill a gap in existing resources by offering concise instructional materials  that walk library publishers through the initial steps of preserving their publications.  These first four guides are platform-agnostic and explain how the scope of their publishing program should inform and relate to their preservation program. Additional guides providing platform and preservation service specifics are planned.

These guides are just the beginning. Additional guides providing platform and preservation service specifics are also planned. We aim to produce diverse, engaging, and easily accessible content to assist publishers in establishing preservation programs that are both ethical and impactful.

Please email us at contact@librarypublishing.org if you have ideas for additional content.

September 2, 2025

Call for applications: Library Publishing Curriculum Editor-in-Chief

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The Library Publishing Coalition is recruiting a Library Publishing Curriculum Editor-in-Chief. Applications are due by September 30, 2025. You do not need to be at an LPC member library to apply. 

Term length

The Library Publishing Curriculum Editor-in-Chief will serve a two-and-one-half-year (2.5), renewable term, starting in January of 2026. This is a volunteer position. Normally, the first six months would be focused on learning from the current Editor-in-Chief, but since that position is currently vacant, that time will be focused on onboarding and working on projects that are already in progress. In the final six months of their 2.5-year term, the EiC will train the next EiC.

Responsibilities

The EiC will possess or be willing to develop a deep familiarity with the Library Publishing Curriculum and will be responsible for setting the vision for the future direction of Curriculum. They will also be responsible for maintaining the highest editorial quality of the Curriculum. Key aspects of this position include:

  • Design and implement strategies for updating and maintaining the Curriculum, and for assuring the quality, timeliness, relevance and authority of the Curriculum. 
  • Attend monthly editorial board and planning meetings. Work in tandem with, and provide co-leadership for, the editorial board as it accomplishes its responsibilities.
  • Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the Curriculum.

Support

The editorial board Chair facilitates editorial board monthly meetings, guides the promotion activities of the board, and collaborates with the EiC to set agendas.

The EiC co-leads and is supported by the editorial board. The editorial board will primarily focus on Curriculum promotion: outreach, training, marketing, and other efforts to increase the visibility and reach of the Curriculum; while the EiC focuses on Curriculum content development and maintenance. 

The editorial board may also support the functions of the EiC:

  • Identifying work needed: Identifying gaps and opportunities in the Curriculum, including new units, updates or adaptations of existing units (e.g. adapting the copyright unit for another country’s copyright landscape), translations, and other projects that will increase the currency, utility, and breadth of the Curriculum. As part of this process, they will also determine appropriate qualifications for, and compensation of, authors/project participants. 
  • Recruiting and guiding authors/project participants: Recruiting project participants and guiding them through their project work. 
  • Authoring/updating Curriculum content: For small or off-cycle projects, the EiC/editorial board may decide to undertake the work itself, rather than recruiting authors/project participants and going through a formal Curriculum development cycle. 
  • Identifying resources for Curriculum development: For projects that will require outside funding or other resources, the EiC/editorial board may work with Educopia staff and LPC’s Board to identify potential funding sources and apply for grants. 

Qualifications

  • Accomplishment and expertise in library publishing, and a keen interest in expanding professional capacity in the field
  • Experience with one or more of the following:
    • research and publishing 
    • curriculum development 
    • textbook/anthology editing
    • instructional design
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Support for LPC’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
  • Time to dedicate to a demanding service role (at least 1-2 hours/week)

Benefits

The Editor-in-Chief receives a complimentary registration to every Library Publishing Forum held during their term and travel assistance for one in-person Forum during their term. An EiC who is employed by a non-LPC-member library will enjoy access to the LPC member listserv and all LPC events and resources throughout their term. 

How to apply

Please submit a CV or resume and a statement of interest to contact@librarypublishing.org by September 30, 2025. Members of the Curriculum Editorial Board, the LPC Board, and LPC staff will review applications and select a new Editor-in-Chief. Applicants may be invited to a call as part of the selection process. The successful applicant will be notified in early December.

August 14, 2025

Announcing the Library Publishing Coalition & IFLA Library Publishing SIG International Scholarship for the 2026 Library Publishing Forum

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UPDATE September 11, 2025

There is a new link to the application form. The link below has also been updated.

The Library Publishing Coalition (LPC) and the IFLA Library Publishing Special Interest Group (SIG) are delighted to announce an international scholarship for attendance at the 2026 Library Publishing Forum, to be held in-person in Seattle, Washington, USA, on June 17-18, 2026.

This scholarship is designed to support individuals from OECD-listed Developing Countries who have been engaged in library publishing programs for two years or more.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients will receive full funding to attend the Library Publishing Forum and participate in related activities from June 2026 – May 2027, including:

  • Round-trip economy airfare to Seattle, Washington from the recipient’s country of residence
  • Accommodation in Seattle for the duration of the conference
  • Conference registration fees
  • Transportation costs to and from the Airport, and to and from the Forum (public transit, taxi)
  • Meals: Some meals will be included in the conference, plus a stipend for other meals not included
  • Cell phone roaming plan
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Attendance at all online Library Publishing Coalition committees and events throughout the award period

Who Should Apply?

Applicants must:

  • Reside and work in an OECD-listed Developing Country
  • Have been working in library publishing for at least two years
  • Be committed to participating remotely in Library Publishing Coalition activities from June 2026 – May 2027
  • Be committed to presenting on the scholarship experience at an IFLA Library Publishing SIG event after the scholarship period.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the Application Form.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday October 31, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and recipients will be notified in December 2025.

This scholarship presents a unique opportunity to engage with the international library publishing community, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the growth and development of library publishing in your institution and worldwide.

We encourage all eligible applicants to apply and look forward to welcoming the scholarship recipient to Seattle in 2026!

 

July 22, 2025

Call for Authors: Library Publishing Curriculum Policy Units

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Update: September 9, 2025

The Curriculum Editorial Board has decided to extend the deadline for this call for authors by two weeks, to September 19, 2025. We are still seeking authors for the following sections:

  • Publishing Ethics Policies (new unit)
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies (new unit, but you will be able to draw on existing content)

If you were on the fence about applying previously, please consider this an invitation to do so!

See more information below.

The Library Publishing Curriculum Editorial Board seeks authors to develop narratives for five new or updated units in the Curriculum’s Policy Module. Deadline September 5, 2025.

The Library Publishing Curriculum is an Open Educational Resource for librarians, licensed with Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY). It is intended to empower librarians to meet local demands to launch and/or enhance scholarly publishing activities. The Curriculum was written by a group of practitioners and released in 2018. The Curriculum remains relevant to practitioners, but developments in many areas of practice warrant updates. The Editorial Board has identified five priority units within the Policy Module that need development:

  • Accessibility Policies (new unit)
  • Publishing Ethics Policies (new unit) 
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies (new unit, but you will be able to draw on existing content)
  • Rights and Rights Management Policies (new unit, but you will be able to draw on existing content)
  • Preservation Policies (substantial updates to existing content)

We are asking authors to write a narrative that guides practitioners in creating policies in these areas, including  up-to-date examples. Narratives should be approximately 4000–8000 words long, not including example policies, and follow the provided template and style guide. 

Desired Qualifications

The Board is looking for prospective authors with: 

  • Relevant expertise and experience, especially in OER, open textbook development, and/or instructional content development
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Familiarity with policy development and topic area(s)
  • Experience with library publishing 

Expectations of Authors

  • Attend a virtual kick-off meeting (October)
  • Develop and write new content for assigned section(s) within project timeframe and following provided template/style guide
  • Share work in progress with the Board, including monthly check-ins (fall 2025–spring 2026) 
  • Make any final revisions requested by Board (spring 2026)

Compensation

  • $500 stipend for work on a single unit, to be paid after completion 

How to Apply

Email the following to contact@librarypublishing.org by September 5, 2025:

  • Which section(s) you are interested in
  • A short paragraph (500 words or fewer) describing your qualifications
  • CV or resume (via attachment or link)
  • Include a writing sample (via attachment or link)

July 17, 2025

Announcing the second edition of the Library Publishing Research Agenda

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Cover image of 2025 Research AgendaThe Library Publishing Coalition (LPC) is thrilled to announce the release of a revised second edition of the Library Publishing Research Agenda. This new edition reflects our continued commitment to supporting a vibrant, inclusive, and evidence-based library publishing ecosystem.

This second edition of the Library Publishing Research Agenda builds on the foundation laid by the original 2020 publication, continuing to explore critical areas where research is needed to inform and strengthen practice in the field of library publishing. It offers updated and expanded exploratory overviews of six key topics: Assessment, Labor, Accessibility, Non-traditional Research Outputs, Peer Review, and Partnerships. The document is divided into sections corresponding to each of these topics, each of which includes a contextual summary, refreshed or newly proposed research questions, and updated resources for further reading. This revised edition reflects new developments in the field and ongoing conversations within the community. It is intended to support current and future researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to advancing knowledge and practice in library publishing. The Research Agenda was developed by LPC’s Research Committee with input from the LPC community.

How to use the Research Agenda

The Research Agenda is offered as a starting point for individuals interested in learning about and conducting research related to library publishing. It aligns with the LPC Research Committee’s mission to promote research that can provide an evidence base to inform best practices for library publishers. 

We encourage the members of the library publishing community to use this document in a variety of ways, including purposes aimed at both research and practice. The research questions in each section can be used to develop more expansive research projects that might investigate general trends in library publishing, or as a means of examining current practices and policies within one’s own institution. The listed relevant resources are also intended as a starting point for individuals interested in learning more about aspects of library publishing, even if they are not interested in conducting research in that area. 

Where to check it out

The Library Publishing Research Agenda can be accessed in PDF (generously hosted by Purdue University Libraries) and in HTML. As with all LPC publications, the Research Agenda is released under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, and we encourage others to share and adapt it as widely as possible. Questions and comments about this document can be emailed to contact@librarypublishing.org. 

The creators of the Library Publishing Research Agenda

Talea Anderson, Karen Bjork, Leigh-Ann Butler, Nina Collins, Perry Collins, Matthew Goldberg, Jonathan Grunert, Matt Hunter, Michelle LaLonde, John Martin, Shawn Martin, John Morgenstern, Talia Perry, Christopher Popovich, Liz Scarpelli, Janet Swatscheno, Willa Tavernier, Dan Tracy, Michelle Wilson, and Mai Yamamoto. Production: Maggie Rosenau (copyediting and design). Educopia Institute.

July 11, 2025

Second round of our platform accessibility investigation

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About these investigations: LPC has been taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to web accessibility for the last year. The updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act – as well as similar regulations in other parts of the world – are aligned with our values as a community, but will take substantial effort to comply with for most library publishers. To support this work, LPC has teamed up with the Library Accessibility Alliance to provide a variety of professional development opportunities. Looking outward, we are also using our position as a community hub to investigate one of the elements of web accessibility that library publishers can’t control individually – publishing platforms. 

Round one: See our February 12 blog post for a description of our methods and the results of our first round of investigations, which included OJS, Pressbooks, and Janeway. After the blog post was published, we hosted a series of community calls – one for each platform – so LPC members could speak directly with platform developers and representatives about accessibility. 

Round two: This post is reporting out on our second round of platform outreach, in which we contacted DSpace, Omeka, Fulcrum, Manifold, and Digital Commons (again). 

The question set: We used the same set of questions as round one: 

Testing

  • What technical or legal conformance standard have you adopted for your product(s)?
  • How do you test for accessibility?
  • Do you test all areas of your platform (e.g. reader interface, author interface, editorial interface, admin interface) and your user-facing documentation (including online product documentation and help/support resources)? 

Development

  • Do you have a development roadmap for increasing accessibility? Can you share it? 
  • Do you have a process for collecting and responding to user reports of accessibility errors? Are those reports treated as bugs or feature requests?
  • Do you have a process for development contributors to submit fixes for accessibility issues? 

Content and customizations

  • How do you support/encourage users in creating accessible content? 
  • How do you support/encourage developers to maintain accessibility in local customizations? 

Documentation

  • Does your company have an internal digital accessibility policy (or equivalent) and public accessibility statement? If so, please provide the URL.
  • Do you have a VPAT or other accessibility information on your website? If so, provide a URL. If not, can you provide your latest Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) or Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)?

Responses: We received full responses from DSpace, Omeka, and Fulcrum. Manifold asked to respond in the fall once they finish a round of development. Digital Commons continues to not get back to us. 

Results: The responses received from the three platforms were very similar to those provided by PKP, Pressbooks, and Janeway. A summary of previous platform responses can be found in this blog post.  A notable difference between the two groups is related to content and customizations. Currently, only Fulcrum provides resources to help users create accessible content (Omeka and DSpace indicated that they are exploring additional ways to encourage/support accessibility).

  • Accessibility information
  • All three platforms have publicly available accessibility information (DSpace, Omeka, Fulcrum). 
    • Fulcrum provides a public accessibility roadmap; DSpace incorporates accessibility features into the roadmap for major releases.
    • All platforms have publicly available VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates): DSpace, Omeka, Fulcrum

We will share the full answers from each platform with the LPC community via email. 

Next steps: We will follow up with Manifold in the fall and will share their responses with the community. 

June 27, 2025

Kudos to the 2024-2025 LPC Program Committee!

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The Kudos program recognizes impactful work done by community members on behalf of the Library Publishing Coalition community.

This Kudos recognizes the 2024-2025 LPC Program Committee for their excellent work on the 2025 Library Publishing Forum.

Congratulations to the Program Committee for a very successful virtual Library Publishing Forum! The sessions were excellent, it was well-organized and welcoming, and attendees were super engaged. At a time when there are a LOT of demands on everyone’s attention, this conference managed to sustain participation across four days of programming, and to provide just enough social interaction for those who wanted it. Excellent work, Corinne, Liz, Jennifer, Loftan, Ryan, and Jessica!

This Kudos was submitted by Melanie Schlosser.

June 24, 2025

LPC adds its first consortial membership: Welcome VIVA!

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The Library Publishing Coalition is delighted to welcome VIVA as its first consortial membership. Consortial memberships streamline billing for groups of libraries in the consortium and pass along membership benefits to participating institutions. VIVA will act as the consortial central office for the following participating institutions: George Mason University, James Madison University, Sweet Briar College, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, and William and Mary.

A statement from VIVA:

VIVA is the consortium of academic libraries in Virginia representing 70 institutions of higher education. Members include 39 public colleges and universities, 30 independent private non-profit institutions, and the Library of Virginia. Since 1994, VIVA has worked to build an equitable, accessible, and robust infrastructure of library resources and services for Virginia higher education students and faculty. VIVA Publishing is an Open and Affordable initiative providing centralized publishing support for VIVA Open Grant recipients and support for our member institution’s library publishing programs. For more information, please visit www.vivalib.org.

VIVA is excited to transition to a consortial membership with LPC, which provides a more affordable and inclusive avenue for our members and the central office to participate in the vibrant LPC community!

LPC is grateful to VIVA for their input as we created a consortial membership option that works for our community, and for stress-testing the onboarding process as our first consortial member. Supporting consortial publishing efforts is a strategic priority for LPC, and we hope that this new membership option will make participation in the LPC community feasible for more consortia and more consortial member institutions.