The Scholarly Ascent
An exploration of the evolution of University Press of America, a key academic publisher, from its founding to its integration within a global publishing house.
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Overview
Corporate Identity
University Press of America (UPA) was an American academic publishing company, historically headquartered in Lanham, Maryland. It played a significant role in the landscape of scholarly publishing within the United States.
Founding and Origins
Established in 1975, UPA was founded by Raymond D. Fellers and Stanley D. Plotnick. Its initial mission was to serve the academic community by publishing scholarly works.
Publication Focus
The company specialized in the publication of academic books, catering to researchers, academics, and students across various disciplines. This focus positioned it as a key contributor to scholarly discourse.
Historical Trajectory
Acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield
A pivotal moment in UPA's history occurred in 1987 when it acquired the established publishing house Rowman & Littlefield. This strategic move expanded its portfolio and market reach within the academic sector.
Name Evolution
In a significant corporate restructuring in 1998, University Press of America adopted the name Rowman & Littlefield. Concurrently, the University Press of America name was reintroduced as a distinct imprint under the Rowman & Littlefield umbrella, continuing its specialization in scholarly publications.
Online Presence
The official website for University Press of America was historically accessible at www.univpress.com. This domain now serves as a redirection, pointing towards the academic offerings of its parent entity.
The Imprint Role
Specialization in Scholarly Works
Following the 1998 name change, the University Press of America imprint was specifically dedicated to the publication of scholarly works. This strategic decision allowed it to maintain its identity and focus on high-level academic content, distinct from the broader publishing activities of Rowman & Littlefield.
Contribution to Academia
As an imprint, UPA continued to serve as a vital channel for disseminating research, theoretical works, and specialized studies, contributing significantly to academic libraries and scholarly discourse worldwide. Its curated list reflected a commitment to rigorous academic standards.
Recent Acquisition
Integration with Bloomsbury
In May 2024, Bloomsbury Publishing completed the acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield, which included the University Press of America catalogue and trademark. This transaction marks a new chapter for the legacy UPA brand within a larger, global publishing organization.
Global Reach
The acquisition by Bloomsbury, a prominent international publishing group, signifies the continued relevance and value of the UPA's historical contributions to academic publishing. The integration aims to leverage Bloomsbury's extensive global network and resources.
Legacy and Metadata
Enduring Impact
University Press of America, through its various iterations and imprints, has left an indelible mark on academic publishing. Its commitment to scholarly works has supported countless researchers and educators, fostering the dissemination of knowledge across diverse fields.
Archival and Catalog Data
The historical catalogue and trademark of University Press of America are now part of the Bloomsbury Academic portfolio. This ensures the continued availability and management of its published works for future scholarly engagement.
Authority Control
As an established entity in academic publishing, University Press of America is cataloged within various international and national databases, facilitating research and archival discovery. These include:
Database | Identifier |
---|---|
ISNI | 0000000087957702 |
VIAF | 127821873 |
United States (LoC) | n78056250 |
France (BnF) | cb17168635s |
Poland | 9810689157405606 |
Israel | 987007407787505171 |
Catalonia | 981058521241906706 |
Yale LUX | a46ab707-c31e-40ab-8e96-ff8e3a3fff66 |
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References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding publishing, business acquisitions, or historical research. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.