At WiLS, we want to bring valuable information to our library partners, including information about the missions and big ideas of the vendors they may already do business with. Each month, WiLS interviews a vendor partner in order to bridge the gap and open the door to valuable collaborations. This month, we are delighted to share insights from Peggy Williams, Executive Editor at Momentum Press.
Tell us about your company’s background.
Momentum Press was founded in 2008 along with sister imprint, Business Expert Press, to provide the very best information and knowledge on today’s advancements in science, engineering, and applied technology. Its aim is to reach practitioners, researchers, educational faculty, and students by offering digital content that has no restrictions. The Momentum Press Topical Collections and Digital Libraries provide solutions that are concise and easy to use. MP publishes dozens of print and eBooks every year from scientists, doctors, researchers, and engineers who have been recognized by the press, testified before Congress, and who have won international awards. MP is sold worldwide and is recognized as a leader in publishing circles.
Why do you, personally, choose to work with libraries?
I work with authors who span the STEM disciplines. Most of my authors are also Professors and Researchers. I cover a variety of disciplines; Biology, Health Science, Psychology, Biotechnology, Nutrition, and Genetics. All of my authors truly wish that their material be available to students without bankrupting them. They feel that libraries are at the forefront of providing an economic way for learners of all types to gain access to vetted, relevant, up to date science content. They are creating concise and applied books to support and on some occasions replace the large, comprehensive textbooks required in many courses. By providing this material in “chunks”, users and instructors can choose exactly what topics they wish to cover, without having to purchase material that will not be used.
Libraries are also the venue sought out by professionals seeking information for personal development. Clinicians, administrators, and a variety of other professionals wish to have an applied, “real-life” example of a specific topic. They want to be able to immediately use their newfound knowledge right away, and our model allows them the specific content and case studies that allow them to extend their industry knowledge.
What do you like to know about the libraries you work with? What helps you better understand their needs?
I’d love to know what topics their users request the most. How do they feel content needs will change in the next 2-5 years? How are libraries evolving to meet user needs? How can publishers support this evolution in content and delivery methods?
What big ideas are being worked on at your company? What problems are being solved?
Our customers tell us that users are after briefer “hot topic” content that they can use to help with a research project, poster, or even as a lecture launcher for educators. To fulfill that need, later this year we will be launching Expert Insights in response to faculty and student demand for concise, practical treatments of topics taught in undergraduate and graduate programs in many academic disciplines including business, engineering, science, health, and psychology, to name a few.
How can librarians become partners in product or training development?
When MP was founded in 2008, management convened a panel of librarians to solicit their opinions on a wide range of subjects. These discussions resulted in some of the most progressive access policies of any eBook publisher (e.g. no DRM, unlimited simultaneous access/downloading, free archival service, perpetual access, etc.). We continue to value and aggressively seek feedback from librarians and faculty. Often, we use library conferences to have one-on-one meetings so we can be sure we’re listening as we’re growing. Our goal is to gather valuable feedback from our customers to further incorporate into the final version of the product.
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This interview is part of a series of interviews with both WiLS library and vendor partners. Your feedback is appreciated. If you have any to offer on this article or suggestions for upcoming interviews, contact Andrea Coffin at acoffin@wils.org.