Cornell Press finds new home at Cornell Library

Starting Jan. 1, 2018, Cornell University Press will report to Cornell University Library.

“We look forward to working closely with the first university press in the nation,” said Gerald Beasley, the Carl A. Kroch University Librarian. “Both the library and the press share a similar vision to promote a culture of broad inquiry and support the university’s mission to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and creative expression.”

The press and the library currently collaborate on a number of joint initiatives including the National Endowment for the Humanities Open Book Project and the Signale series in German studies, both open access projects.

“We have greatly benefited from partnerships with one of the world’s leading libraries and look forward to strengthening that relationship in this new structure,” said Dean Smith, director of Cornell University Press. “The future of scholarly publishing will present exciting opportunities for the exploration of new models, and working even closer with the library will allow us to share in its expertise and knowledge. We remain committed to publishing high-quality scholarship across a range of disciplines.”

Smith and a staff of 30 will continue to work in Sage House and will report to Beasley.

Since 2013, the press has reported to the vice provost of international affairs, currently Laura Spitz. In recent years, the press has expanded its publishing program, transitioned its fulfillment operation, launched digital initiatives and leveraged new printing technologies.

In addition to publishing high-quality scholarly works, the press recently released books celebrating the university such as “Cornell ’77: The Myth, the Music and the Magnificence of the Grateful Dead Concert at Barton Hall” and “Forever Faithful: Celebrating the Greatest Moments of Cornell Hockey.”

Melanie Lefkowitz is staff writer, editor and social media coordinator for Cornell University Library.

This story also appeared in the Cornell Chronicle.