Like many people outside the field, I didn’t truly understand how scholarly publishing shaped our world. I’ve come to learn that it’s far more than a niche industry—it’s an ecosystem built on collaboration, integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of knowledge. And now, a few years in, I can confidently say it’s one of the most impactful and rewarding spaces I’ve had the privilege of working in.
The Unexpected Everyday Impact of Scholarly Publishing
One of the first “aha” moments I had was realizing how present scholarly publishing is in everyday life. Whether it’s medical journals that improve patient outcomes or research that shapes public policy, scholarly content is behind so much of what we see, hear, and experience.
I’ll never forget the moment I saw McGraw Hill listed among our publishing clients. I fan-girled a little. After all, this was the company whose textbooks helped me (and now my children) through school. It suddenly clicked that the tools shaping early education were part of the same industry I now support.
Another moment that hit home was seeing the work of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). I have several family members and close friends who are nurses, so to see how deeply AACN invests in training and certification—and how those efforts directly impact patient care—was incredibly moving. This was no longer just “content management” or “platform work.” This was work that mattered.
Learning How the Industry Connects
As I settled into my role, I began to understand the larger picture. The world of scholarly publishing is a complex web of researchers, publishers, technologists, and readers—all contributing to a shared mission of advancing knowledge. At Silverchair, we help publishers deliver content more effectively. That means making sure a physician can easily access the latest research, or that a student in a remote location can download an article that changes their career trajectory. Every ticket I touch, every strategic call I join, contributes to this greater mission.
Of all the lessons I’ve learned, the most important one is this: publishing is about community. And the community within scholarly publishing is unlike any other I’ve experienced. At Silverchair, I’ve witnessed how committed we are to supporting this community—from the platforms we build, to the partnerships we nurture, to the events we sponsor. We’re not just a technology company—we’re a participant in the industry’s evolution. We listen, we learn, and we show up.
Volunteering with SSP
To deepen my knowledge of the industry, I began volunteering with the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP). That’s when my understanding expanded even more. Through SSP, I’ve met incredible people from all walks of the industry—editors, technologists, marketers, librarians—each offering a unique lens on what makes this world go round.
In these conversations, I’ve gained insight into critical areas of publishing:
- Publishing ethics and the pressure to ensure that truth always wins over speed or popularity
- Research integrity, and the challenge of combating misinformation or fraudulent submissions
- DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), and the ongoing work to make publishing more representative and inclusive of global voices
- The nuts and bolts of journals—from editorial strategy to production timelines
Publishing as Purpose
I didn’t grow up imagining a career in scholarly publishing. But now that I’m here, I want to continue to contribute. So many important people in my life and in the industry remind me that I am making a difference. This industry reminds me daily that knowledge is one of the most powerful forces on earth. And whether you’re a developer writing code, a technologist fixing a bug, or a Customer Success Manager helping a client strategize for the future—you’re contributing to something much bigger than yourself.