Middle Tennessee State University’s Journal of Advancement, Communication, and Development in Academic Libraries
2026 Library Publishing Showcase Week: Responding to the Community
Journal of Advancement, Communication, and Development in Academic Libraries
Published by Journals @ MTSU
The Journal of Advancement, Communication, and Development in Academic Libraries publishes articles that feature strategies and case studies in support of strategic fundraising and communication in academic libraries, reflecting diverse advancement operations, from single-staffed offices to expansive operations.
The demand for academic library fundraising grows each year as institutions seek alternative sources of support. This journal reflects the mission of the Academic Library Advancement and Development Network (ALADN), an informal community of professionals dedicated to fundraising and advancement for academic libraries across the United States and Canada.
Working with a library publisher
As Dean of the James E. Walker Library, I was impressed by the scope and quality of our journal publishing environment when I started in 2021. Gaining deeper insight into library publishing, I developed full confidence in our digital scholarship librarian and the robust infrastructure supporting high-quality scholarly publishing.
At the 2023 ALADN conference, I proposed the creation of a new journal focused on academic library fundraising, recognizing a gap in existing literature. After I recruited experts in the field. I partnered with our MTSU digital scholarship librarian to develop the journal’s structure and ensure strong digital publishing practices, leveraging the library’s well-organized hosting processes, expertise, and available platforms. Collaboration was a key factor in the decision. Cost was another consideration. The digital scholarship librarian provided expert guidance, walking me through journal management options, explaining the benefits and drawbacks of the various processes and platforms. One significant advantage of partnering with the library publisher was the ability to accelerate the journal’s development. The established processes and expertise allowed us to move forward quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth and successful launch. We additionally showcased the library’s publishing platform.
Opportunities for working with a library publisher
The library publishing environment presents a unique opportunity to respond to the evolving content needs of our library fundraising community. By leveraging our expertise in information management, content, and established publishing workflows, we can provide flexible, high-quality solutions that align with scholarly communication priorities and support diversity in the field of library fundraising. One of the greatest advantages of library publishing is its responsiveness and speed. Unlike traditional publishers, we can move from concept to publication quickly due to streamlined workflows and direct collaboration, without compromising content quality or dissemination.
Advice for colleagues considering working with libraries to publish
I strongly recommend engaging more intentionally with the library publishing community. There are meaningful opportunities not only to strengthen this community but also to elevate our own work by expanding and investing in library publishing initiatives. Doing so allows us greater control over the content lifecycle and aligns publishing decisions with our institutional values. As subject experts, libraries are well-positioned to ensure quality, accessibility, and relevance of information. Moreover, library publishing infrastructure is more responsive and adaptable than is often assumed, enabling us to embrace evolving scholarly needs and to support innovative, mission-driven forms of publication.