University Press of Colorado: A Multi-State Academic Publishing Consortium
Established in 1965, the University Press of Colorado is a nonprofit publisher headquartered in Denver, Colorado. While it began as an entity associated with Colorado's public universities, it has evolved into a unique multi-state consortium. This structure makes it one of the few university presses in the United States to maintain affiliations with multiple universities across different states.
The press is a member of the Association of University Presses, having joined the organization in 1982. Its distribution network is supported by the Chicago Distribution Center in the United States and Codasat Canada in Canada.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1965
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
- Legal Status: Nonprofit publisher
- Consortium Model: Supported by a mix of public and private universities across Colorado, Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming.
- Publication Scope: Primarily books, including novels since 1993.
The Consortium Structure
The University Press of Colorado operates through a collaborative model involving several academic institutions. This consortium includes a diverse group of Colorado-based public universities: Adams State University, Colorado State University, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, the University of Colorado System, the University of Northern Colorado, Western Colorado University, and the Colorado School of Mines.
In addition to public institutions, the consortium is supported by Regis University, a private university based in Colorado. The reach of the press extends beyond state lines to include the University of Alaska System, Utah State University, and the University of Wyoming.
Specialized Imprints
To manage its diverse academic and regional interests, the University Press of Colorado operates several distinct imprints—specialized publishing branches that focus on specific themes or regions.
University of Alaska Press
Founded in 1987, the University of Alaska Press (or UA Press) joined the Colorado consortium in 2021. This imprint focuses on works concerning Alaska, the circumpolar regions, and the northern Pacific Rim.
University of Wyoming Press
The University of Wyoming Press (UWyoP), based in Laramie, Wyoming, joined the consortium in 2019. Its catalog emphasizes the state of Wyoming and its surrounding areas, alongside scholarly works on the environmental humanities, public humanities, and democracy.
Utah State University Press
Established in 1972, the Utah State University Press (USU Press) became part of the consortium in 2014. This imprint publishes a wide array of subjects, including Native American studies, Mormon history, folklore, western history, nature and environment, and composition studies.
Summary of Consortium Imprints
| Imprint | Founded | Joined Consortium | Primary Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Press | 1987 | 2021 | Alaska, Northern Pacific Rim, Circumpolar regions |
| University of Wyoming Press | N/A | 2019 | Wyoming region, Democracy, Humanities |
| Utah State University Press | 1972 | 2014 | Mormon history, Native American studies, Western history |
Legal Controversies
The University Press of Colorado was involved in the 2023 Hachette v. Internet Archive lawsuit. As a member of the Association of American Publishers trade organization, the press participated in a legal action that ultimately led to the removal of access to more than 500,000 books for global readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the University Press of Colorado founded?
The University Press of Colorado was established as a nonprofit publisher in 1965.
What makes the University Press of Colorado different from other university presses?
It is one of the few university presses in the U.S. that operates as a multi-state consortium, meaning it is affiliated with multiple universities across different states rather than a single institution.
Does the press publish fiction?
Yes, the University Press of Colorado has published novels since 1993.
Which states are represented in the consortium?
The consortium includes universities from Colorado, Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming.
How are the books distributed?
Distribution is handled by the Chicago Distribution Center in the United States and Codasat Canada in Canada.