Authors

Margarita Nafpaktitis¹;  ¹ Stanford University Libraries, United States

Discussion

This paper explores the significance of publications from small, independent East Central European presses to research library collections, with particular attention given to Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian exemplars.  Small press publications fill crucial gaps – particularly with regard to contemporary literature, specialized academic subjects, and works in minority languages – and they do much to disrupt paradigms imposed by more mainstream publishing houses through their representation of diverse voices, experimental forms, and emerging scholarly perspectives.  Some of the challenges inherent in identifying, acquiring, and cataloging these works – including limited distribution channels, reduced market visibility, and resource constraints – will be addressed, as well as strategies for overcoming these obstacles. When collection management includes purposeful acquisition of publications from small and independent presses, libraries amplify their role as custodians of diverse knowledge and culture, provide more inclusive collections to their communities, and help sustain a more vibrant, pluralistic publishing ecosystem.