The recent months have been deeply unsettling for those of us who work in the global scholarly communications industry. The challenges stemming from a shifting U.S. political landscape, which threaten academic freedom, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) initiatives, the scholarly record, and federal research funding, are affecting the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) community in multiple ways: mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially.
A cornerstone of SSP’s strategic plan is to foster DEIA in our community through demonstrated leadership to expand the diversity of professionals working in scholarly communications. During these uncertain and stressful times, the SSP Board of Directors remains firmly dedicated to our core values of community, inclusivity, adaptability, and integrity, and we are unwavering in our commitment to DEIA.
We also remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the well-being of all our volunteer members by providing a safe space where they can connect, collaborate, problem-solve, network, and build friendships. For example, our recently launched SSP Community Interest Group for Mental Health Awareness and Action meets virtually each month and offers tangible resources and potential solutions to alleviate the burdens we face today. SSP members (including anyone who works at an SSP member organization) are welcome to join. In addition, we are having broader discussions in multiple arenas, including several posts on recent events in The Scholarly Kitchen. We invite you to share your comments and stay abreast of the ever-changing policies and initiatives that affect us all.
Since we were established in 1978, SSP has intentionally demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community. We actively infuse our work with equitable values, including providing leadership as a founding member of the Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Publishing (C4DISC), an intraorganizational body of trade and professional organizations formed to discuss and address issues of diversity and inclusion.
Our ongoing mission to promote and advance scholarly communication through networking, information dissemination, and facilitation of new developments in the field serves as a reminder that, as a community of compassionate and dedicated professionals, we will navigate these challenges together.
