ISER Books, Memorial University’s academic book publisher, has been renamed Memorial University Press.

ISER Books began operations in 1966 as a publication outlet for doctoral theses focussed on the uniqueness of Newfoundland and Labrador. This mandate held through the 1960s, but soon after, recognizing Memorial University as a centre of academic excellence for social science research on both the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the wider North Atlantic region, the press expanded its mandate to include scholarly multidisciplinary monographs about the society, economy and culture of the North Atlantic.

In its 55 years, the press has published exceptional scholarship, a number of award-winning publications, and has emerged as a leader in research about the North Atlantic region. Positioning the press on the same plane as its sister university presses in Canada, the rebranding more clearly associates the press and its work with the university.

“ISER Books has long operated as a university press in everything but name,” says Dr. Fiona Polack, academic editor at Memorial University Press. “Our new official designation lets us build on that legacy, bringing attention to existing authors and helping recruit new ones.” 

Memorial University Press’s priority for publishing research focused on the North Atlantic region remains, and ensures the press’ ongoing alignment with the geographic reality and research strengths of Memorial University.

The re-branding is supported by a new logo and re-designed website at memorialuniversitypress.ca.