Upcoming Gathering Highlights Collaboration in Academic Publishing
The Library Publishing Forum returns in 2026 as a key in-person event for professionals shaping scholarly communication at universities and colleges worldwide. Scheduled for June 17 and 18 at the University of Washington in Seattle, the forum brings together library publishers, scholars, vendors, and partners to tackle pressing issues in open access, equity, and sustainability.
Organized by the Library Publishing Coalition, the gathering emphasizes practical strategies for libraries venturing into or expanding publishing programs. Attendees represent institutions across North America and beyond, creating opportunities for shared learning on everything from digital platforms to community-driven scholarship.
Strategic Co-Location with Major Publishing Events
This year’s forum aligns closely with the Association of University Presses Annual Meeting, set for June 13 to 15 at the Westin Seattle. The timing allows participants to move seamlessly between university press discussions and library-led initiatives, fostering stronger ties between these complementary sectors of academic publishing.
Immediately preceding the forum, a dedicated summit on June 16 addresses broader institutional pressures. Titled Responding to Universities in Crisis: A Summit for University-Based Publishing, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Washington and carries a modest $50 registration fee that includes meals. It invites anyone working in university publishing settings to explore shared challenges and advocacy approaches.
Focus on Resilience Amid Institutional Pressures
Universities face mounting financial strains, shifting enrollment patterns, and evolving expectations around research dissemination. The June 16 summit provides structured space for small-group discussions and an advocacy workshop led by the University-Based Publishing Futures community. Sessions examine how publishing units can adapt while upholding core values of access and intellectual freedom.
Participants will consider practical responses to funding volatility and policy changes that affect both presses and library programs. The agenda concludes with reflections on the current state of university-based publishing networks, followed by optional tours of campus facilities including the UW Libraries Open Scholarship Commons and UW Press.
Keynote Addresses Spotlight Timely Themes
Heather Joseph, executive director of SPARC, delivers the opening keynote on June 17. Her talk, Open Knowledge Sharing in a Chaotic Time, draws on decades of experience advancing open access policies, including contributions to the 2023 White House memorandum on federally funded research outputs.
Additional plenaries feature University of Washington faculty examining data’s role in shaping inclusive collections and Indigenous priorities in research data stewardship. Tracie Hall, executive director of the HBCU Library Alliance, addresses library publishing as a tool for countering censorship and expanding scholarly voices from underrepresented communities.
Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash
Scholarships and Inclusive Participation Options
The Library Publishing Coalition, in partnership with the IFLA Library Publishing Special Interest Group and the Association of University Presses, awarded scholarships to support attendance. These awards help broaden representation from smaller institutions and emerging professionals.
For those unable to travel, the new Forum Friends program offers limited remote engagement opportunities, ensuring wider access to selected sessions and networking channels without requiring full in-person commitment.
Practical Details for Attendees and Organizers
The main forum takes place at the Husky Union Building on the University of Washington campus. Registration remains open through Eventbrite, with sessions running from early morning through late afternoon on both days. A reception on June 17 provides informal networking time.
Sponsors including Bridwell Press and Quire will showcase tools and platforms during dedicated highlights, allowing attendees to explore solutions for open publishing workflows directly with providers.
Broader Implications for Higher Education Institutions
Library publishing programs often serve as agile complements to traditional university presses, enabling rapid dissemination of faculty and student work in open formats. The co-located events underscore growing recognition that sustainable scholarly communication requires coordinated efforts across campus units.
Topics likely to surface include adapting to open access mandates, integrating diversity and inclusion goals into editorial practices, and leveraging digital tools for preservation and discovery. These conversations carry direct relevance for university administrators managing research outputs and for faculty seeking wider reach for their scholarship.
Looking Ahead: Building Stronger Publishing Ecosystems
The 2026 gatherings arrive at a moment when universities continue navigating post-pandemic realities alongside technological shifts such as artificial intelligence in content creation and peer review. By convening library publishers alongside university press colleagues, organizers aim to identify collaborative models that strengthen resilience.
Outcomes from the crisis summit and forum sessions may inform future advocacy at institutional, national, and international levels. Professionals in academic libraries and publishing offices stand to gain actionable insights for program development and cross-campus partnerships.
Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash
Registration and Next Steps for Interested Professionals
Those planning to attend should review the full schedule and code of conduct on the official Library Publishing Coalition site. Early registration helps secure spots for the summit and associated receptions. Virtual options through Forum Friends provide an entry point for broader participation.
University leaders and library directors may also consider sending teams to maximize knowledge transfer back to their campuses. The concentrated timing of events in Seattle offers efficient professional development for those balancing multiple responsibilities in higher education.
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