Talk by Niamh Tumelty (LSE Library & LSE Press)
The LAI Library Publishing Group brings you an engaging and timely talk by Niamh Tumelty, Director of LSE Library and Managing Director of LSE Press, reflects on the current pressures facing academic libraries and the opportunities presented by library-led publishing, especially in the context of diamond open access.
Drawing on her dual perspective as a senior librarian and university press leader, she explores the budgetary constraints that challenge collection development and publishing support, as well as the growing disconnect between researcher expectations and the realities of funding and prestige in academic publishing. She acknowledges the systemic issues with transitional agreements and the uneven pace of change among academics—where a few call for transformation, while many still prefer traditional, prestige-based publishing routes.
Despite these challenges, She presents a compelling case for optimism. She points to positive shifts: researchers showing more interest in open access options, policy developments (including support for OA monographs), and initiatives like the Jisc and Open Book Collective that aim to build more sustainable OA infrastructures. She also shares success stories from LSE Press—such as award-winning titles—that demonstrate the growing impact and recognition of new OA publishers.
Ultimately, Tumelty advocates for a strategic, collaborative approach across institutions and sectors to support equitable and sustainable open access publishing, with libraries playing a crucial leadership role.
About Niamh
Niamh Tumelty is Director of LSE Library, which includes the role of Managing Director of LSE Press.
Niamh’s approach centres around the design of spaces, collections, policy and services based on deep understanding of the needs of differing disciplines, and she has a particular interest in what open social science would look like if designed from this perspective.
Prior to joining LSE, Niamh was Head of Open Research Services (Associate Director) at Cambridge University Libraries and a Fellow of Newnham College.
Register for the talk on Eventbrite.
