Publisherspeak
US 2024

Chaired by Audra E. Cox

As publishers, we no longer just review, copy edit, and print. We also support so many nonauthor stakeholders and groups that place requirements on authors: Funders (reporting, licensing requirements, data sharing), Governments (reporting, documentation, data sharing, public access, accessibility), Indexers (file formats, XML tagging), Librarians subscriptions and open access reporting), Others that bridge stakeholders (NIHMS, OA Switchboard). However, it is largely the responsibility of publishers to fulfill the mandates. Do current workflows adequately meet the needs of authors and other stakeholders? Are any of these pressures in opposition to our own ingrained workflows and how do we get around that? Do we need to rethink how we move content through our systems? Or how we perform QA along the way? Is automation the answer? What about the human element?

Chaired by John W. Warren

Scholarly publishers, like the two faces of Janus, invariably have print-centric, traditional workflows even while recognizing that demand for digital-first, agile content is on the rise. Publishers—and staff—are also constrained by the strategic imperatives of “doing more with less” in an increasing complex and challenging environment. How can scholarly publishers empower intrapreneurial efforts within their organizations (and in collaboration with partners) that deliver innovative approaches toward digital content creation and delivery, transform workflows to generate cost or time savings, and increase global reach and impact, among other outcomes? What is an example of an intrapreneurial spark that we can bring to our organization?

Chaired by Damita Snow

Ensuring your website is accessible to all users is a critical aspect of modern web development, but identifying accessibility issues can be challenging. How can you determine if your website has accessibility problems? This involves not only understanding the technical aspects of accessibility but also recognizing the diverse needs of your users. Tools like screen readers, keyboard navigation, and color contrast analyzers can help identify issues, but they may not catch everything. How can you assist users who encounter accessibility barriers? Providing clear feedback mechanisms, offering alternative content formats, and ensuring your customer support team is trained in accessibility best practices are essential steps. Additionally, can your vendors help you stay compliant with evolving regulations? Partnering with vendors who specialize in accessibility can provide ongoing support and expertise, ensuring your website remains compliant as standards change. Finally, how will European regulations impact your US customers? With the global nature of the internet, regulations like the European Accessibility Act can have far-reaching implications. Ensuring your website meets these standards can not only help you avoid legal issues but also improve the user experience for all visitors, regardless of their location. Addressing these questions is crucial for creating an inclusive online environment that meets the needs of all users.

Chaired by Katherine Lavallee-Sharma

Early Career Professionals in scholarly publishing often face challenges when it comes to both entering and advancing in the field. There is an overall lack of structured support, guidance, and fair opportunities for those looking to enter or learn more about the field. This is especially true for professionals and students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. How can we make the scholarly publishing field more accessible to both enter and advance through? What are some pathways we can create both as a community and within our own organizations to foster strong relationships and empower our early career colleagues? What does this new generation of publishers need to thrive in their professional careers?