Library publishing: We can't do everything, so should we just quit?

Abstract

Library publishing programs are often not supported by sales and instead are driven by the values of the library. Typically these values include a preference for non-fee open access dissemination. In this context, library publishing programs are at risk of operating under unsustainable and tight budgets while demand for services is on the rise. This is an equation that can lead to diminishing levels of service and professional burnout for the providers of these services. Library budgets and their investments in journal publishing have been under strain. At the same time, journals, policy makers, authors, editors, and funders expect more and more. Linked-data, persistent identifiers (PIDs), XML, accessibility, funding notifications, glitzy websites - where does it end? Given the demands, what is the least that a library can do to work within the values of the library’s mission without losing professional integrity? This session proposes a model for assessing a library publishing program’s investment in a non-revenue generating open access journal publishing service. The model may be used to help a library make decisions about when to take on new titles. Likewise, it will serve as a tool to identify journals that may be at risk of losing the library’s services. Tools of this nature may provide useful starting points for discussions between libraries and university presses interested in forming stronger university-based publishing initiatives.