Call for Abstracts

Deadline: January 31, 2026 February 27, 2026

Have questions? Want to discuss an idea with us? Contact casestudiesinlibrarypublishing@gmail.com.

Case Studies in Library Publishing, a peer-reviewed journal published by the University of Florida LibraryPress@UF, invites abstracts for its third annual issue. 

The mission of CSLP is to provide concrete project examples to inspire, support, and recognize the labor and expertise of those involved with library publishing as we ground and grow our work. We seek contributions that exemplify capacious perspectives on “publishing” aligned with the Library Publishing Coalition’s working definition of “the set activities led by libraries to support the creation, dissemination, and curation of scholarly, creative, and/or educational works.”

Examples could include but are not limited to:

  • Research or scholarly publications such as monographs, textbooks, working papers, journals, etc., possibly in collaboration with a university press or faculty.
  • Books or digital publications building from or incorporating special collections and primary sources.
  • Workflows and strategies to develop or refine a publishing program, including staff roles, editorial processes, and integration into library operations.
  • Community- or partner-driven initiatives, including recommended practices for ethical collaboration.
  • Policies and practices around data publication. How do we publish this type of material, and what role(s) should libraries play?

Each article published in CSLP will describe a specific publishing project or program, delving into workflow, goals, resources, and ultimate impact. Articles will include a summary, relevant links, and key takeaways for readers, with space for authors to add additional discussion and reflection. We welcome submissions that depart from conventional academic formats, potentially including media, conversations, or other structures. Submissions may focus on incomplete or ongoing projects, as well as older or more recent work; where possible, we encourage authors to share what has not worked or lessons learned that might inform others’ projects and programs.

We encourage collaborative submissions, including authors who contribute to library publishing as editors, student collaborators, project managers, designers, and external partners, as well as those affiliated with university presses and those working outside academic libraries.

Full manuscripts for accepted abstracts will be due March 31, 2026 May 4, 2026.

Format

Case study abstracts should be no more than 150-250 words, with an expectation that full submissions will be between 2,000-5,000 words.

In addition, please include:

  • Names and affiliations of all authors and co-authors
  • If appropriate, the URL of any available publication(s) featured
  • 2-4 “takeaways,” which will be listed at the beginning of each case study to offer readers a brief overview of the project, process, or lessons learned
  • Suggestions of 1-2 external reviewers whose perspectives might be valuable on your submission or for other pieces in the scope of the journal

We welcome submissions from authors based internationally outside North America. While abstracts and full submissions should be written in English, authors may choose to include translations of their work in additional languages.

Review Process

The journal editors and editorial board members will review abstracts and invite full case study submissions from authors whose work falls within the scope of the journal mission.

Full submissions will undergo review by 1-2 external experts. Reviewers will represent the variety of not only library publishers but also editors, scholars, and audiences for this work across disciplines. CSLP implements a modified form of open peer review; authors and reviewers will each know the other’s identity, but reviews will be shared only with the author(s) and will not be circulated publicly.

CSLP is committed to an ethos of constructive and generous peer review practice. We are guided by the publication Anti-Racist Scholarly Reviewing Practices: A Heuristic for Editors, Reviewers, and Authors.