Mike Nason University of New Brunswick Libraries, Public Knowledge Project
Source
Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science Vol. 48 No. 1 (2025)
DOI: 10.5206/cjils-rcsib.v48i1.22132
Abstract
Canadian academic libraries play a demonstrably load-bearing yet under-recognized role in the nation’s scholarly publishing ecosystem, supporting a predominantly independent, non-commercial journal landscape. While global trends reveal an oligopoly of large commercial publishers, Canadian publishing remains defined by diversity, with libraries offering essential infrastructure and services for journals rooted in open access and equity. This study explores the scope and nature of library publishing services in Canada, analyzing data from 42 institutions to reveal significant contributions to the production, dissemination, and preservation of scholarly knowledge. Despite limited resources, these programs provide critical support for diamond open access publishing models, bibliodiversity, and underserved journal types. As national and international conversations on scholarly publishing evolve, it is vital to recognize libraries not just as contributors, but as key players driving a more equitable and sustainable publishing system.
Figure 2 Most Commonly Offered Services by Number of Institutions Offering Each Service Source: 10.5206/cjils-rcsib.v48i1.22132
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
