The University of North Carolina Press has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to address challenges brought about by the digital transformation in publishing. Press director John Sherer will lead the effort to implement investments in digital infrastructure. "The world of university press publishing is experiencing significant disruption. This generous grant will permit UNC Press to take advantage of the many opportunities that abound in this new environment," Sherer said.
Earlier this year, UNC Press received a $100,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation of New York aimed at also exploring the obstacles and opportunities facing publishers as they seek to incorporate various forms of digital scholarship.
The two grants are part of a comprehensive campaign for investment in the UNC Press as it looks to develop sustainable models for university presses within their new digital environment.