The Alberta Book Publishing Awards were held on Thursday, September 17 at the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton. These awards celebrate the creativity, innovation, and skills of Alberta publishers through numerous book awards. The awards also celebrate certain individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. AU Press’s own Kathy Killoh was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement in Publishing Award at this year’s ceremony. Instrumental in establishing AU Press as Canada’s first open access scholarly press in 2007, Kathy’s steady and consistent presence has shaped Canadian open access publishing, strengthened the scholarly community, and brought the work of countless academics to a global audience.
Kathy’s commitment to scholarly publishing and to AU Press has been steadfast. She has stepped up when and where needed and was regularly called upon to provide leadership during times of change. Kathy served as acting director on multiple occasions over the years including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and during the implementation of a new institutional strategic direction. Kathy provided continuity, stability, and direction when it mattered most.
In her roles as acting director, journals and digital coordinator, and managing editor of Labour/Le travail, Kathy played a pivotal role in defining AU Press’s identity and has been foundational in advancing open access publishing in the Canadian context. She has always been willing to share her knowledge and experience with colleagues, both in the publishing world and in academia more broadly. As a result, Kathy was asked to consult during the establishment of other North American open access programs in both the scholarly journal and monograph spaces.
Service has been a throughline throughout Kathy’s career. She has been consistently engaged with the Book Publishers Association of Alberta (BPAA), Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP), the Association of Canadian University Presses (ACUP), and the Association of University Presses (AUPresses). Additional sector-wide contributions include championing accessible publishing practices and brokering distribution deals that not only benefited AU Press but have opened doors for other Alberta and Canadian publishers.
Kathy prefers to operate behind the scenes, where her efforts are embedded in the publications themselves and in the structures and processes that make them open and accessible. True to her nature, she does not seek the spotlight but Kathy’s accomplishments and contributions deserve to be celebrated. Congratulations on a career well spent and thank you for a lifetime of achievement!
