Photo courtesy of: Ohio University PressStaff of university presses and academic libraries got together in Athens in July

Ohio University Press, Alden Library host third annual scholarly publishing forum

At the Third Scholarly Publishing Forum, hosted by Ohio University Press and Ohio University Libraries in Athens in July, staff of university presses and academic libraries from Ohio, New York, Michigan, West Virginia, and Kentucky met at Ohio University Press in Alden Library to discuss challenges and share a wide variety of experience in publishing and best practices for sharing and disseminating content.

They also welcomed the executive directors of the Association of University Presses and OhioLINK and the scholarly sharing strategist from Ohio State Libraries. Janet Hulm, associate dean at Ohio University Libraries, and Ken Breen of EBSCO presented data and overviews of book and e-book usage in university libraries.

“The forum offers publishing and library professionals in our region the opportunity to get to know one another and discuss key questions in an informal and collaborative atmosphere,” said Ohio University Press director Gillian Berchowitz. “Over the three years that the forum has been held in Athens, we have built a community that has strengthened our publishing programs and collaborations on campus.”

Ohio University Dean of Libraries Scott Seaman said, “Few in academics understand scholarly communication as do university press’s and university libraries. My hope is that these forums will foster press and library collaborations and experimentation that will enrich our faculty’s research and student’s learning.”

Ohio University Press book receives starred review from Kirkus

Marlene Brill received a coveted star from leading book review publication, Kirkus Reviews for “Dolores Huerta Stands Strong: The Woman Who Demanded Justice.” Out this month as part of the press’s acclaimed Biographies for Young Readers series, the book explores the life of famed civil rights activist, who was also the subject of a recent documentary film. Calling it “a biography for the times,” the review said “Brill paints a vivid picture of her subject … An excellent read for anyone hoping to believe one person can make a difference. Young readers will recognize Dolores Huerta’s rallying cry ‘Yes, we can!’ even as they are inspired by her vision for a better world.”

Ohio University Press author interviewed on BBC radio

Leslie Goffe of the BBC’s Focus on Africa program interviewed Msia Kibona Clark, author of “Hip-Hop in Africa: Prophets of the City and Dustyfoot Philosopher.” Clark, who has studied and blogged about African hip-hop for years, spoke in particular about the experience of female rappers, highlighting the music of Abena Rocksta, from Ghana, and Yugen Blakrok, from South Africa, who was featured on the “Black Panther” movie soundtrack. She also spoke about the power of hip-hop as a political mobilizer in Africa. Her segment begins at 42:35 and you can listen by clicking on https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w172w23lm0n7hd7#play