The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), established in 1978, stands as a pivotal nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing communication and collaboration across the scholarly publication community. Its core mission revolves around promoting and advancing interaction among all sectors involved in scholarly communication. This is achieved through various means, including networking opportunities, the dissemination of crucial information, and actively
facilitating new developments within the field. The SSP's enduring presence since its founding highlights its sustained commitment to the scholarly publishing landscape.
Headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, the SSP operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational society. This classification underscores its commitment to educational and non-profit objectives, rather than commercial gain. The society's structure and purpose are designed to serve the broader interests of academic publishing, fostering an environment where diverse stakeholders can connect and contribute to the advancement of scholarly communication.
A Diverse Membership and Collaborative Goals
The strength of the Society for Scholarly Publishing lies in its diverse membership, which represents a wide spectrum of roles within scholarly publishing. Members include publishers, printers, developers of e-products, technical service providers, librarians, and editors. This broad representation ensures that discussions and initiatives within the SSP consider multiple perspectives and needs from across the industry.
With approximately 1,100 members hailing from 24 countries, the SSP boasts an international reach. These members come from both large and small commercial and nonprofit organizations, further enriching the variety of viewpoints. They convene at SSP's annual meetings, educational seminars, webinars, and Focus Groups. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to learn about the latest trends from respected colleagues and to engage in discussions about common, mutual, and sometimes even divergent goals and viewpoints, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Activities and Unique Stance
Beyond its networking events, the SSP engages in various activities to fulfill its mission. While specific details of all activities are not provided, the emphasis on information dissemination and facilitating new developments suggests a proactive role in shaping the future of scholarly publishing. The society's commitment to education is evident through its seminars and webinars, which serve to inform and train professionals in the field.
One unique characteristic of the SSP among scholarly communications associations is its policy of not taking positions on political issues. This neutrality allows the society to maintain a broad appeal and focus squarely on its core mission of promoting communication and advancing the field, without being drawn into potentially divisive political debates. This approach helps ensure that the SSP remains a unifying force for its diverse membership, concentrating on the shared goal of improving scholarly publishing.
