When I joined the University of Toronto Press (UTP) Board of Directors, I quickly discovered the remarkable scope of this organization. In addition to publishing exceptional scholarship, UTP operates a distribution centre supporting multiple publishers, and manages the University of Toronto Bookstores. What impresses me most about the Press is the passion of the people who work here. Their dedication goes far beyond a job description; it’s a deep commitment to the mission of advancing knowledge. That kind of purpose-driven culture is rare, and being part of an organization where people work with such integrity and enthusiasm is truly inspiring.
ANN CLAVELLE University of Toronto Press Board of Directors
UNIVERSITY PRESS RANKINGS
University of Toronto Press is ranked as one of the twelve most influential university presses in North America by the Association of University Presses
For 125 years, University of Toronto Press has stood at the forefront of the scholarly community. Incorporated as a not-for-profit organization and governed by a Board of Directors, UTP operates three divisions that together help shape public discourse, inform policy, and deepen our collective understanding of the world. Ranked as one of the twelve most influential university presses in North America, UTP empowers many views and voices, collaborates with local and global partners, and leads with intention and ingenuity.
Our 2026 Impact Report highlights a year of transformative initiatives across our Publishing, Retail, and Distribution divisions. In a historical moment characterized by the rapid spread of misinformation, the publication and broad dissemination of research and scholarship is more critical than ever.
Over the past year, UTP has reinforced our leadership role in academic publishing by releasing 250 new book titles and 5,315 journal articles by 10,886 authors. The Retail Division, with four physical locations across the University’s three campuses, played a vital role in supporting students at all stages of their journey, from Orientation, through busy terms, to Convocation. In Distribution, UTP continued to serve as a cornerstone for Canadian publishing, distributing more than 3.7 million books on behalf of 250 publisher clients.
Across all divisions, UTP invested in digital innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, while also fostering inclusion, company pride, and community engagement. On behalf of everyone at University of Toronto Press, I invite you to explore this Impact Report to learn more about our organization and the great work being done by our people.
JESSICA MOSHER
President and CEO University of Toronto Press
PUBLISHING
In 2025, the Publishing Division achieved significant milestones, strengthening its position as a leading academic publisher, and expanding its global reach. Our efforts focused on three strategic priorities: increasing research and publication output, developing new partnerships, and expanding our international reach and impact. These initiatives have advanced UTP’s mission to connect ideas for a better world and foster intellectual exchange worldwide.
This year, UTP published 10,886 authors across 250 new book titles and 80 scholarly journals, marking a substantial increase in our annual output and reinforcing our commitment to supporting diverse scholarly voices across disciplines. At a moment in history when misinformation spreads rapidly and unchecked, the dissemination of peer-reviewed, evidence-based content is more critical than ever. UTP’s medical program now includes 15 journals dedicated to original research and clinical practice in areas such as medical microbiology, infectious diseases, hepatology, among others.
This past year marked the development of several new collaborations with leading scientific organizations. In 2025, we launched the Journal of Clinical Insights in Neonatology in partnership with the Toronto Centre for Neonatal Health, a centre for research and innovation formed by four Toronto hospitals: Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai, St. Michael’s, and Sunnybrook. Our new partnership with the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering will enable the development of specialized publications to advance civil engineering research and practice in Canada and beyond. Finally, our collaboration with the Canadian Pharmacists Association is focused on authoritative resources for pharmacy education and practice, including updated drug compendia and clinical guidelines. These collaborations strengthen our role in professional and scholarly publishing and ensure the broader dissemination of critical scientific research.
In 1901, UTP started as a printing press that was housed in the University Library. Over the course of the twentieth century, it transitioned from a small local publisher to a large international, independent press with significant reach and impact. Currently, the entire scholarly publishing landscape is evolving quickly, with changes in how researchers discover and access material, and the use of AI upending how we conduct research overall. The Press has a long history of responsiveness to new methods and audiences. The current historical moment is no different, and UTP is at the forefront of publishers innovating with new technologies and formats for content delivery.
LARRY ALFORD University Chief Librarian University of Toronto
BUILDING ON OUR STRENGTHS
At the same time as we expand UTP’s program into new subject areas, we continue to build on our existing strengths, broadening our portfolio and deepening our commitment to scholarly excellence. In 2024, we welcomed Irwin Law content into the publishing program, significantly enhancing offerings in legal studies and providing readers with authoritative resources in Canadian law. The addition of a global linguistics list to the portfolio further broadened UTP’s reach, positioning the Press as a leader in language and communication scholarship.
In addition to strengthening key scholarly disciplines, UTP continues to expand into general interest non-fiction through the AEVO imprint. With “AEVO” translated from the Latin “for our time,” these titles complement UTP key strengths, such as environmental, Indigenous, and urban studies. By engaging with timely topics and diverse perspectives, UTP is not only reinforcing its reputation as a trusted source of knowledge but also ensuring its publications remain relevant and accessible in a rapidly changing world. We are also pleased to continue to strengthen UTP’s business publishing program through the dynamic partnership with the Rotman School of Management, bringing forward insightful books, bridging academic research and highlighting practical business leadership skills.
Our reputation for quality and impact continues to be recognized via the indexing of our publications in major scholarly databases, which determine citation metrics and contribute to university rankings. UTP journals have long been indexed in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, among others. This year, we are very pleased that our books are now indexed in the Web of Science, further enhancing visibility and reach within one of the most used scholarly databases globally.
UTP books receive more than 50 prestigious awards annually. Titles published over the past year impressed adjudication committees across disciplines and borders, receiving awards from Axiom Business, the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and PROSE, among many others.
UTP continues to extend its global footprint through strategic alliances with leading international publishers, fostering cross-cultural scholarly exchange. Partnerships with Qatar University Press, Peking University Press, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press, and Tsinghua University Press, have resulted in joint publishing programs and translation agreements allowing UTP titles to reach new audiences in Asia and the Middle East. Collaborative editorial projects promote scholarship internationally, while broadening readership of UTP and our partner presses works, and bringing global perspectives to critical issues.
In the early part of 2026, we will continue to build on this work with visits to our partners in China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, as well as our partners in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.
University of Toronto Press at Frankfurt Book Fair with Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press, 2025.
University of Toronto Press at Beijing Book Fair, with Peking University Press, 2025.
Looking ahead to another 125 years of scholarly and research excellence, UTP will continue to invest in digital innovation to enhance discoverability and accessibility, and deepen international collaborations to support global scholarly dialogue. The year 2025 was transformative for UTP’s Publishing Division. Through increased output, strategic partnerships, and international expansion, we have strengthened our role as a global leader in scholarly publishing and reaffirmed our commitment to advancing knowledge for the benefit of society.
ANTONIA POP Vice President, Publishing University of Toronto Press
RETAIL
Strong relationships and collaboration continue to define the success of the U of T Bookstore as it evolves from a traditional campus store into a dynamic retail and cultural hub. Guided by its mission to serve students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community, the Bookstore embraces innovation, sustainability, and partnerships to deliver exceptional experiences across all three University campuses.
University of Toronto graduate, Convocation 2025
University of Toronto Bookstore, St. George campus, 2025
The University of Toronto Press has been operating the U of T Bookstore for more than 90 years, and throughout that history, the team at UTP has been in tune with and dedicated to the student experience. From Orientation and busy Septembers through to Convocation, the Bookstore is an integral part of the U of T journey for both students and faculty across all three of our campuses. In recent years, the Bookstore has partnered with popular brands for special collections, including lululemon and Roots, which has been a wonderful way for an almost 200-year-old University to continue to engage the student population. Convocation is another excellent example – the Bookstore has been an integral part of Convocation for many years, helping students and families celebrate with memorable and special pieces such as diploma frames and graduation teddy bears.
ANNE MACDONALD Assistant Vice President Spaces and Experiences University of Toronto
In 2025, the Bookstore strengthened its role as a steward for the U of T brand through strategic collaborations, blending campus pride with lifestyle appeal. The revitalized Roots retail space at the flagship St. George store was celebrated with the U of T community, reaffirming a commitment to premium campus apparel. Following the very popular launch of the U of T lululemon collection in 2024, we expanded the partnership with lululemon launches at the Scarborough and Mississauga campuses, bringing high-performance apparel to students and staff, and driving engagement and excitement across the campuses.
University of Toronto Bookstore, St. George campus, 2025
University of Toronto Bookstore, St. George campus, 2025
U of T Bookstore partners with U of T Entrepreneurship to host the Startup Holiday Market
U of T Bookstore partners with the Faculty of Music to host Love Notes: A Candlelit String Quartet Experience
U of T Bookstore hosts wellness yoga
The Bookstore also reinforced its role as a campus destination by hosting a Startup Holiday Market featuring sixteen U of T entrepreneurs in a curated marketplace, capped by a celebratory event for alumni, partners, and university leadership. Collaborations with University Advancement created nostalgic experiences and dedicated merchandise for alumni gatherings, while cultural celebrations such as Orange Shirt Day and Lunar New Year were supported with custom merchandise and gift card giveaways, reinforcing the Bookstore’s commitment to inclusion and community. In addition, we introduced new experiential events to enrich campus life, including a musical concert featuring U of T student musicians, a therapy dog drop-in event during exams to support student wellness, and a yoga night in collaboration with lululemon, bringing together retail, recreation, and community in meaningful ways.
The Bookstore remains focused on its core mission to provide essential course materials to the U of T community. Our team works closely with faculty and the University’s Information Technology group to ensure students have access to the tools they need to succeed, whether through integrated course materials, specialized study aids, or digital platforms that enhance learning. This commitment to academic support underscores the Bookstore’s role as a vital link between education and accessibility.
For four years in a row, the University of Toronto has been named one of the top two universities in the world for sustainability by QS World University Rankings. As part of the University’s broader sustainability goals, the Bookstore plays a key role in promoting ethical retail practices across all campuses. Working closely with the Trademark and Licensing Office, the U of T Bookstore supports the University community with branded materials that reflect the University’s values.
An additional area of growth for the Bookstore is Campus Outfitters, a custom product department creating unique merchandise for the U of T community and beyond. This program has become a cornerstone for delivering tailored solutions, from branded apparel and specialty items for campus events, to custom products for external partners such as the University Health Network and the Hospital for Sick Children.
Looking ahead, the Bookstore will continue to innovate, expand, and connect, guided by our vision to be a platform for ideas, a partner in learning, and a reflection of the University’s values.
University of Toronto Press has been well known as a premier publisher in North America for 125 years. A major milestone in the Press’s history was the development of distribution services. In the 1950s, the Press was one of the first academic publishers worldwide to develop a network to distribute its own books. In 1975, when one of the largest distributors in Canada closed, leaving literary, educational and scholarly publishers without distribution channels, UTP welcomed many of these companies as distribution clients, helping to maintain a vital service to the publishing community. Last year, in large part as recognition of these long-standing partnerships, UTP was designated a “major organization” by the Ontario Arts Council, highlighting its deep commitment to the publishing community, as well as Canadian culture more broadly.
BILL HARNUM University of Toronto Press Board of Directors
DISTRIBUTION
The University of Toronto Press Distribution Division continues to be a driving force in Canadian publishing, connecting ideas for a better world through its expansive reach, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to scholarship, education, and literary achievement. Over the past year, UTP Distribution has not only delivered on its mission but has also set new benchmarks for scale, innovation, and cultural impact.
In 2024 and 2025, UTP Distribution reaffirmed its role as the logistical backbone of Canadian publishing. With a network supporting more than 250 publishers, including university presses in Canada, the USA, and the UK, UTP Distribution ensures academic and literary works reach readers across Canada; from British Columbia to Nunavut to Newfoundland, as well as to the rest of the world. Each year, UTP distributes more than 3.7 million books, a testament to its broad reach and impact.
UTP’s reach includes supplying major retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Indigo as well as independent booksellers across North America, providing timely access to new releases, award-winning titles, and essential educational resources. This commitment strengthens the diversity of Canada’s literary marketplace and ensures that all retailers remain vital cultural hubs in their communities.
The titles UTP ships are not only literary and academic, but also help to shape classrooms and school libraries nationwide. The educational impact is profound, with over 5,000 K-12 titles shipped each year, including books by JUMP Math, a Canadian award-winning charitable organization. In addition, as the Canadian distributor for Teacher’s College Press, a leading educational publisher based at Columbia University, UTP also provides training and educational materials for teachers across Canada. UTP is proud to work with these and our many other client publishers creating materials to support learning.
In 2025, UTP Distribution introduced a digital catalogue, sent monthly to all retail and publishing partners through its newsletter. This resource highlights the newest titles, key award winners, and author events across the country, bringing together the most salient information for bookstore clients in one accessible place. The catalogue has been met with tremendous enthusiasm, quickly becoming a favourite among partners and clients. Its success has inspired the team to continue growing and expanding the program, ensuring it remains a vital tool to support customers and strengthen relationships throughout the sector.
The cultural impact of UTP Distribution is equally significant. Over the past two decades, the Division has played a pivotal role in bringing acclaimed, prize-winning books to readers across Canada. From Seven Fallen Feathers (RBC Taylor Prize, 2018) and Dear Evelyn(Writer’s Trust, 2018) to Journey with No Maps (Governor General’s Award Nonfiction, 2013) and Aki-wayn-zih (Governor General’s Award Nonfiction, 2022), through its distribution services, UTP has been supporting some of the country’s most celebrated literary achievements. Recent highlights include Scientific Marvel(Governor General’s Award Poetry, 2024) and Dandelion(Canada Reads Shortlist, 2025).
Julia Woods (centre), Chair of the Board of Directors for University of Toronto Press, represents UTP at Ontario Arts Council event, featuring the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Simon Foster, Chair of the OAC, Michael Murray, CEO of the OAC, and representatives from the OAC’s twelve major organizations.
Looking ahead, UTP Distribution is poised to build on this momentum. The Division will continue to innovate and expand its reach, guided by a vision that every shipment supports the next generation of storytellers, scholars, and readers. From educational partnerships to cultural stewardship and digital innovation, UTP Distribution remains committed to connecting ideas for a better world—one book at a time.
JASON FARRELL Vice President Distribution and Retail University of Toronto Press
The 2026 Impact Report highlights the remarkable achievements and transformative initiatives of the University of Toronto Press across its three divisions: Publishing, Retail, and Distribution. UTP operates as an independent, not-for-profit which allows us to be truly mission-focused.
As a self-funded organization, we are extremely grateful for the generous support of Canadian and Ontarian partners, including the Department of Canadian Heritage, through its Canada Book Fund Support for Publishers, Support for Distributors, and Creative Export Canada programs; Canada Council for the Arts; Livres Canada Books; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; Ontario Arts Council; Ontario Creates; and Ontario Trillium Foundation. From advancing global scholarly dialogue through publishing, to fostering innovation and sustainability in campus retail, and to ensuring that academic and literary works reach readers across the country and beyond through distribution, UTP has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to connecting ideas for a better world.
The continued growth and advancement of the important initiatives described in this Report are a direct result of the dedication, talent, and tireless efforts of our team of employees across the Press’s divisions and within the central administration group. The expertise and dedication of our teams in Finance, IT, and People, enable UTP to operate with a growth mindset and extraordinary professionalism. As we celebrate 125 years of excellence, UTP remains committed to fostering collaboration, empowering diverse voices, and leading with ingenuity, ensuring our legacy as a trusted partner in education, research, and innovation.
JASON RILEY Vice President, Finance and IT University of Toronto Press
As University of Toronto Press celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2026, we reflect on a distinguished legacy of scholarly communication and the dissemination of knowledge since 1901. UTP has consistently upheld the highest standards of academic publishing while evolving to meet the needs of a changing world across all three of its divisions; within its publishing work, the University of Toronto Bookstore, and its distribution operation. As one of North America’s most influential university presses, UTP remains committed to fostering intellectual exchange, strengthening global partnerships, and ensuring that authoritative scholarship continues to inform and inspire future generations.
JULIA WOODS Chair of Board of Directors University of Toronto Press
Founded in 1901, University of Toronto Press is Canada’s leading scholarly publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America.
With the mission to connect ideas for a better world, UTP operates three divisions. The Publishing Division produces 250 new book titles per year and 80 journals, with a backlist that includes more than 10,000 book titles and 75,000 journal articles. UTP is widely recognized internationally for its content covering a vast array of disciplines in medical and health sciences, business, law, education, political science and policy, sociology, general history, philosophy, and literature, among other areas.
The University of Toronto Bookstore is a dynamic hub for students, faculty, and the wider community. With four physical locations, including flagship stores at University of Toronto’s three campuses, a specialized store at the U of T Faculty of Law, and a global online presence, the Bookstore serves a community of 99,700 students and more than 16,500 faculty.
UTP’s Distribution Division represents more than 250 publishers and imprints in Canada, the United States, and around the world. With locations in Toronto and Buffalo, New York, UTP distributes more than 3.7 million books annually to 8,000 bookstores in North America and across the world.
