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Questions about Syracuse University Press

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Syracuse University Press founded?

Syracuse University Press was founded in August 1943. President William P. Tolley made a promise to Thomas J. Watson on that day to organize the press.

Who were the first leaders of Syracuse University Press?

Matthew Lyle Spencer served as the first chair of the board of directors and Lawrence Siegfried became the first editor of Syracuse University Press. These three figures shaped the initial direction of the organization from its inception.

What are the core scholarly strengths of Syracuse University Press today?

Middle East studies and Native American studies form core areas of focus for Syracuse University Press alongside Irish studies and Jewish studies. Peace and conflict resolution, New York State history, television and popular culture topics, and sports and entertainment round out their catalog.

Does Syracuse University Press own its own printing equipment?

Syracuse University Press never owned its own printing press throughout its existence. Books are printed by an offsite manufacturer instead to define their operational model without heavy capital investment.

When did Syracuse University Press receive the Humanities Open Book Program award?

March 2017 brought significant recognition when Syracuse University Press received the Humanities Open Book Program award from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This honor acknowledged open access initiatives undertaken by the organization to make scholarship more accessible.

When did Syracuse University Press start producing audiobooks?

October 2020 marked the start of audiobook production at Syracuse University Press through a partnership with Sound Beat. Recordings take place at Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive located within Syracuse University Libraries.