On the Role of University Presses in the Urbanism Conversation

Anna Clark writes:

"Think of universities as a series of ivory tower silos? Think again. Not only can urban-set institutions of higher learning be vital anchor institutions in their neighborhoods, university presses throughout the U.S. play a pivotal role in publishing game-changing work about cities. Those books, both practical and philosophical, result in real benefits to our built environments."

Clark credits the focus of university presses on urbanism to their rise to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, coinciding with "a national reckoning with cities, especially in terms of inclusion, equality, preservation, violence and schools."

Then there is flip side to the equation: "because risk-averse mainstream publishers aren’t convinced that this work is worthwhile."

The article goes on to provide a long list of worthwhile reads, both recent and from a little father back. Clark concludes, however, with a warning that many university presses are endangered or going out of business.