Research Libraries and University Presses Issue Statement on Scholarly Communication

[Ann Okerson <aokerson@pantheon.yale.edu>]

Of possible interest.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 10:25:31 -0400
From: Judith Matz <judith@arl.org>
To: Activities and Programs of ARL <ARL-ANNOUNCE@arl.org>
Subject: [ARL-ANNOUNCE] Research Libraries and University Presses Issue
    Statement on Scholarly  Communication

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Mary Case, ARL 
202-296-2296 x112 
marycase@arl.org

Brenna McLaughlin, AAUP
212-989-1010 x24
bmclaughlin@aaupnet.org

RESEARCH LIBRARIES AND UNIVERSITY PRESSES ISSUE STATEMENT ON SCHOLARLY
COMMUNICATION

October 20, 2003 (New York, NY, and Washington, DC).

The Association of American University Presses (AAUP) and the Association
of Research Libraries (ARL) have formulated a Joint Statement on Scholarly
Communication. The Statement sets forth the complementary roles of press
and library within higher education, and indicates a strengthened
commitment to cooperation and joint action.

With increased stresses on the system of scholarly communication, arising
from swiftly changing technologies and difficult economic times, the two
associations believe that both challenges and opportunities can be best
addressed by cooperation within the academy.

"As a practical matter librarians and publishers work together all the
time, and research libraries and university presses are already
collaborating on some exciting joint ventures at a number of campuses,"
states Peter Givler, Executive Director of the AAUP. "I'm delighted with
this formal recognition of our common interests, and look forward to the
wonderful new opportunities for cooperation between our two organizations
it creates."

Duane Webster, Executive Director of ARL, notes "The research library
community looks forward to sharing innovative ideas and expertise in our
mutual efforts to help build sustainable systems that meet the needs of
today's and tomorrow's scholars."

The motivating spirit of the AAUP-ARL Joint Statement is a primary element
of an evolving campaign of recognition of the importance of ongoing
collaboration and conversation between these two important arms of the
university. To broaden understanding between the members of ARL and AAUP
and to encourage further collaboration, the associations are planning a
"Year of the University Press" in 2004. Throughout the year, libraries
would help raise the visibility of presses on campus by featuring
university press works in exhibits, inviting university press authors and
publishing professionals as speakers, and publishing articles about
innovative library-press partnerships in library and campus newsletters.
The program is under development and more information will be available
soon.

The Association of American University Presses (AAUP), an organization of
non-profit scholarly publishers, is dedicated to the support of creative
and effective scholarly communications. Through professional development
opportunities, cooperative programs, and information resources AAUP helps
its 124 members fulfill their common commitments to scholarship, the
academy and society. To learn more about AAUP's members and programs,
please visit <www.aaupnet.org>.

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a not-for-profit
association of over 120 research libraries in North America. Its mission
is to shape and influence forces affecting the future of research
libraries in the process of scholarly communication. ARL programs and
services promote equitable access to and effective use of recorded
knowledge in support of teaching, research, scholarship, and community
service. For more information on ARL, its members, and programs, see the
ARL Web site <www.arl.org>.

Full text of the Joint Statement is attached and is also available at
<http://www.arl.org/scomm/aauparlstatement.pdf>.
 
********************************
Judith Matz
Communications Officer
Association of Research Libraries
21 Dupont Circle, NW  #800
Washington, DC  20036-1118
Phone  202-296-2296
Fax  202-872-0884
judith@arl.org