What makes a university press different from a book publishing company?
RABINOWITCH: In contrast to commercial book publishers, a university press’s primary mission is an academic one. LIVE AT IU: What is the goal of the IU Press? RABINOWITCH: IU Press’ mission is to inform and inspire scholars, students and general readers by disseminating ideas and knowledge of global significance, regional importance and lasting value. LIVE AT IU: How has the goal of the IU Press shifted since it was founded in 1950? RABINOWITCH: The basic goal of IU Press is the same as it was when Herman B Wells, who founded IU Press, defined it in 1950: “The Press will be an ultimate expression of the influence of the University in scientific and intellectual publishing. While thoroughly aware of its primary function — that of publishing the results of scholarly research — the Press will make every effort to balance its program with books . . . which will appeal to the intelligent general reader. The Press will endeavor to extend the University’s teaching and research beyond the li
