Important Role of University Presses in Current Climate of Misinformation Emphasized
Austin, Texas — The 2017 Annual Meeting of the Association of American University Presses (AAUP) kicked off June 11 in Austin, Texas, and runs through June 13, with more than 650 scholarly publishing professionals from all over the world attending.
This year’s program continues to encourage collaboration across university and scholarly presses, with more opportunities to connect both in-person and online. Energetic conversations are taking place across Collaboration Labs, concurrent sessions, planned breaks, and even online—#AAUP17 on Twitter is livelier than ever!
The Annual Meeting’s banquet was kicked off by celebrated journalist Dan Rather, who spoke about the importance of university-press scholarship in the current climate of “fake news” and “alternative facts.” An opening plenary included Dr. Marilyn Mobley, Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity & Equal Opportunity at Case Western Reserve University, speaking about institutionalizing diversity in university presses with Earl Lewis, President of The Andrew. W. Mellon Foundation.
Dr. Jesús F. de la Teja of Texas State University spoke to attendees during lunch about the vital relationship between authors and presses, and the importance of peer-reviewed works in the age of misinformation. The closing plenary will feature Dr. Raj Raghunathan of the University of Texas, Austin, who is known for his talks on happiness, creativity, and leadership.
Incoming 2017–18 AAUP President Nicole Mitchell, Director, University of Washington Press will assume office during the annual Business Meeting, as 2016–17 AAUP President Darrin Pratt, Director, University Press of Colorado, wraps up his term of service with valedictory remarks.
Additional highlights of the meeting include:
- The presentation of the AAUP Constituency Award to Michael Donatelli for his dedication and service to the AAUP community
- Updates on Mellon Capacity Building Grants awarded to some AAUP members in 2015
- The 52nd year of the Book, Jacket, and Journal Show on display throughout the meeting
- Close to 40 concurrent educational sessions, roundtables, and Collaboration Labs planned by the 2017 AAUP Annual Meeting Program Committee, chaired by Mary Rose Muccie (Temple).
- A screening of the new documentary, Graphic Means, at the Alamo Drafthouse
- The introduction of “Reimagining the Digital Monograph,” a white paper from JSTOR
- A wide variety of attendees, including recipients of 8 Mellon Diversity Fellows, 5 Newcomer Grants, and over 25 people attending at no cost as part of small press promotions
- And much, much more. Visit http://www.aaupnet.org/aaup17 for more details.
About AAUP
The Association of American University Presses is an organization of more than 140 nonprofit scholarly publishers, dedicated to the support of creative and effective scholarly communications. Through its programs and information resources, AAUP helps its members fulfill their common commitments to scholarship, the academy, and society. Learn more at www.aaupnet.org.
Media Inquiries
John Michael Eadicicco
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