In our latest episode I talk with Andrew Barker (University Librarian, University of Lancaster) about an open access monograph (book) publishing programme he’s spearheaded: Trailblazers. We discuss how the support of Liverpool University Press alongside collaboration with an increasing range of partner institutions has been vital in enabling the programme. We explore how Trailblazers works intimately with early career authors, supporting them as they publish their open-access books through the press. We move on to discuss the challenges of overcoming the inertia from centuries of ‘standard practice’ in publishing as well as considering the many successes and lessons which have emerged from Trailblazer’s activities over its first two years of operations. We conclude by looking at how others can get involved and conclude with a general debate over the personal responsibility and individual tenacity required to achieve authentic publishing cultural change.

You can explore more about the Trailblazers programme here: https://www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/pages/trailblazers

Or to find out more about publishing with the Exchangesresearch journal visit: http://exchanges.warwick.ac.uk/

Episode Index

00:00 – Opening

00:42 – Introductions

02:44 – Understanding Trailblazers

07:36 – Facing Challenges

12:00 – Celebrating the Successes

16:32 – Unexpected Lessons & Outcomes

22:06 – Advice to Others

24:54 – Raising Awareness & Promoting the Programme

28:53 – Outro

Blazing an Open-Access Monograph Trail: Exploring the early career Trailblazers programme