A key goal of the Association of University Presses (AUPresses) is to collect and disseminate essential information on our sector of the scholarly communications industry.
The Annual University Press Operating Statistics Report for 2021-2024 was completed and shared with participating presses and the member community in April 2025; and the Quarterly Sales Comparison Reports have been completed for the fiscal year ending June 31, 2024, and through the first three quarters of the current fiscal year. The biennial AUPresses Compensation Survey collected 2024 data and is expected to be available in late spring 2025. These statistical programs are carried out by a confidential agent, analyst Kimberly Schmelzinger.
For the first time, the Association undertook a demographic survey of our 2023-2024 committees, task forces, working groups, and board. The “Diversity and Inclusion Baseline Survey for Publishing Partners” toolkit created by the AUPresses Equity, Justice, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee was used to implement what is planned to be a triennial benchmarking practice. Recently updated demographic data on the North American trade and global scholarly publishing communities from the Lee & Low Diversity Baseline Survey (DBS) and C4DISC Workplace Equity (WE) Survey, allowed the committee demographics to be compared to robust data about the wider community from which AUPresses volunteers are drawn. Generous participation from members of the volunteer cohort made for a 63% response rate.
A survey regarding the use of AI in publishing, guided by an AUPresses AI Advisory Group, produced two resources for members in late 2024: a library of sample AI policies, and a rated directory of AI services. The Acquisitions Committee distributed the second iteration of a survey on Editorial Boards, the first of which was undertaken in 2016. A remarkable 100+ member presses responded to that survey, and the committee continues to analyze the rich information contributed. The Editorial Board Governance Materials library has been updated with new documentation donated via the survey; and a session at the 2025 AUPresses Annual Meeting will provide a first look at findings.
A revised AUPresses Subject Area Grid was published in January 2025, the first since 2021. Respondents also provided suggestions and insights for needed updates to the subjects tracked in this valuable reference guide. A streamlined method for collecting annual Directory updates and other regular member information is under development, and is expected to be operational in summer 2025.