National University Press Week Celebrated with Exhibits, Workshop and Book Sale

Duquesne University Press will recognize national University Press Week from Sunday, Nov. 11, to Saturday, Nov. 17, with activities highlighting the contributions that university presses make to culture, academia and an informed society.

“There are 133 scholarly presses in the Association of American University Presses alone, which together publish more than 12,000 works per year, in both print and digital form,” said Susan Wadsworth-Booth, director of the press. “This is the 75th anniversary of the association, and this week highlights the importance of what we all do. Duquesne’s press has been around even longer—85 years—and we’re proud to represent even a small part of this wealth of creative and effective scholarly communication.”

Duquesne University Press will exhibit some of its published titles at both the Gumberg Library and the Barnes & Noble Bookstore. It will also host Publish or Perish Workshop for graduate students and junior faculty on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m., in Rooms 505 and 506 of Rockwell Hall.

The workshop, now in its 10th year, is intended for participants who want to learn about getting their work published in today’s academic environment. The discussion will include how to choose a publisher, prepare initial proposals, revise doctoral dissertations for book publication and how new technologies and models (such as electronic journals and open-access publications) fit into the process.

In addition, the press will host a book sale featuring overstock and out-of-print titles on Thursday, Nov. 15, from noon to 3 p.m. on the fourth floor of Rockwell Hall.

Duquesne University Press was founded in 1927 and follows a rich tradition of scholarly publishing in literary studies, philosophy, psychology and religious studies. Its early entry into fields such as existentialism and phenomenology established its reputation for books that shape and influence serious thought.

“On a national level, the work of university presses is being highlighted on www.universitypressweek.org,” said Wadsworth-Booth. “It includes a fascinating section called ‘Mapping Our Influence,’ where many presses, including Duquesne, have tried to show how extensive our global reach really is.”