University of Alberta Press

University of Alberta Press
Name	University of Alberta Press
Founded	1969
Headquarters	Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Parent	University of Alberta
Publications	Books
Distribution	University presses, trade distributors

University of Alberta Press is a Canadian scholarly publisher affiliated with the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. Founded to advance regional and national publishing, the press issues works in Canadian literature, Indigenous studies, history of Canada, environmental studies, and visual arts. It operates within the wider ecosystem of university presses, collaborating with cultural organizations such as the Canada Council for the Arts, provincial bodies like Alberta Culture, and national archives including Library and Archives Canada.

History

The press was established during the late 1960s expansion of Canadian scholarly publishing alongside institutions like University of Toronto Press and McGill–Queen's University Press, emerging in the same period as the rise of regional publishers such as Gaspereau Press and House of Anansi Press. Early directors worked with scholars from faculties connected to figures such as Marshall McLuhan and engaged with projects referencing events like the Expo 67 milieu. During the 1970s and 1980s the press expanded its lists through partnerships with creators associated with the National Film Board of Canada, galleries including the Art Gallery of Alberta, and research tied to the Royal Alberta Museum. Funding and governance evolved through interactions with bodies like the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and provincial arts agencies, while editorial initiatives corresponded with national conversations influenced by commissions such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Mission and Editorial Focus

The press’s mandate emphasizes regional scholarship and creative work, aligning with priorities articulated by institutions such as the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences and networks like the Association of Canadian University Presses. Editorial lists commonly include monographs in Canadian history, critical studies of figures such as Alice Munro and E. Pauline Johnson, and art books tied to exhibitions at venues like the Remai Modern and Vancouver Art Gallery. The press prioritizes Indigenous voices connected to communities such as the Métis Nation of Alberta and collaborates with scholars who have worked on projects related to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Idle No More movement. It also publishes environmental scholarship intersecting with research on the Athabasca River, the Oil Sands, and conservation work by organizations akin to the David Suzuki Foundation.

Notable Publications and Series

The catalogue includes scholarly monographs, edited collections, and illustrated volumes similar in scope to titles issued by presses such as UBC Press and Wilfrid Laurier University Press. Notable series have engaged with themes parallel to the Canadian Plains Research Center projects and literary studies comparable to compilations on authors like Margaret Atwood, Robert Kroetsch, and Michael Ondaatje. The press has produced works on topics such as prairie settlement histories contending with events like the North-West Rebellion and biographies connected to figures like Peter Lougheed and Lester B. Pearson. Art and design publications have accompanied exhibitions featuring artists akin to Irene Alvarez and institutions similar to the National Gallery of Canada.

Authors and Staff

Authors include academics affiliated with universities like the University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, McMaster University, and independent scholars who have collaborated with cultural practitioners linked to organizations such as the Banff Centre. Editors and staff often have professional associations with bodies such as the Association of University Presses and the Canadian Book Publishers Council. The press has worked with contributors who have researched topics involving figures like Emily Carr, Tomson Highway, George R. D. Goulet, and scholars tracing archival collections tied to Hudson's Bay Company records.

Distribution and Partnerships

Distribution channels involve partnerships with national distributors similar to University of Toronto Press Distribution and international networks exemplified by agreements with agencies like Ingram Content Group. The press collaborates with museums and galleries including the Art Gallery of Ontario and regional cultural agencies such as the Edmonton Arts Council. Co-publishing arrangements have linked the press with research institutes like the Institute for Research on Public Policy and community organizations resembling the Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation to reach audiences across Canada and in markets connected to publishing hubs like London, England and New York City.

Awards and Recognition

Books from the press have been shortlisted for and won awards comparable to the Governor General's Literary Awards, the Rogers Writers' Trust Awards, and prizes administered by the Association of Canadian Publishers. Scholarly titles have received honours from provincial bodies akin to the Alberta Book Publishing Award and recognition in competitions such as the Giller Prize longlist or regional accolades associated with the Prairie Schooner readership. Visual and design publications have been acknowledged by juries from organizations similar to the Design Exchange and exhibition prizes at venues like the Strathcona County Arts Council.

Digital Initiatives and Open Access

The press has engaged in digital publishing and open access models reflecting trends followed by peers like University of Minnesota Press and Open Book Publishers. Initiatives include digitized backlist projects comparable to collaborations with HathiTrust partners and ebook distribution to platforms akin to Project MUSE and JSTOR. The press participates in scholarly infrastructure conversations involving groups such as the Canadian Research Knowledge Network and explores licensing approaches influenced by frameworks from the Creative Commons community.

Category:Canadian book publishers Category:University presses of Canada