Partnerships: the engaged university and library publishing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to delineate a model of library publishing, the library as publishing partner, that reflects the diversity of institutions in higher education. Design/methodology/approach – The model is based on a particular case, but also on the integration of literature on institutional theory, emerging scholarships and library science. Findings – The paper argues that increasing diversity in higher education requires us to think creatively and strategically about different models for library publishing. The library as publishing partner model is presented as an alternative to a one-size-fits-all model based on the experience of research institutions. Research limitations/implications – The library as publishing partner model is intended to spark further research and conversations about models for other institutional types. Practical implications – The library as publishing partner model has potential applications at other public comprehensive institutions (or those with similar missions). Social implications – The library as publishing partner model is intended to combat the tendency in higher education toward academic drift and to contribute to an increasingly diverse landscape in higher education. Originality/value – This paper presents an original model, the library as publishing partner, but also argues for an original perspective, in which academic libraries at different types of institutions can be constructively differentiated from each other.