With a rich history dating back to the original University of London Press in 1910, it has undergone a significant transformation in recent years into a predominantly open access publisher. Its new strategy focuses on new book series and experimental publishing models aimed at ‘opening up humanities research’, and support for arts and humanities researchers navigating an increasingly complex publishing landscape.
Collaboration is at the heart of this strategy and was a key part of the process in developing a new logo and branding guidelines for UoL Press with specialist publishing designer, Nicky Borowiec. Nicky said: “The new logotype reflects the Press’s open and friendly style, and I’m proud of the vibrant, approachable design that reflects the position and voice of UoL Press within the humanities.”
The website includes a dedicated training hub designed to help researchers understand open access and aspects of the publishing process. It also features a new UoL Press instance of the innovative Manifold platform, developed with close support from the University of Minnesota Press team, making it easy for readers to engage with a selection of its open access books in new ways including highlighting and annotation. Read more about how UoL Press use this platform.
The new website will also improve the ability of UoL Press to reach diverse and global audiences for its open access books, including users and contexts outside academia. Its most recent title, Before Grenfell, was recently recommended by Westminster MP Andy Slaughter to Michael Gove in a parliamentary debate about building safety and social housing.
Paula Kennedy, Head of Publishing, said: “We’re delighted to launch our new branding and website, which express our role as an expert and creative partner for the authors and organisations we work with and mark a pivotal moment for the University of London Press. The new platform also affirms our ongoing commitment to non-commercial open access publishing for the humanities, as we approach one million downloads globally for our open access titles.”
The University of London Press is an integral part of the School of Advanced Study, and supports its national mission to promote and facilitate humanities research. The Press supports the work of SAS and its strategy across several key areas relating to publishing, impact and training.