Abstract
Publishing by academic libraries is burgeoning as an alternative means to create open access to scholarly research. The emerging field of library publishing offers new opportunities for academic libraries to achieve their mission. From my experience working with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries journal publishing program for the past four years, I identify three best practices for libraries as publishing partners working with open access journals: listen to user needs, use opportunities to educate, and work together to promote ethical publishing practices. I also share how we support, promote, and evaluate our library journal publishing program. As the scholarly publishing landscape continues to change, it is exciting to participate in the evolution of academic library publishing programs. Academic libraries are increasingly incorporating open access scholarly publishing as a means to fulfill their mission, and contributing to research and education of scholars at their own institutions and abroad, for those who are active today and for those who will be active in the future.
