Reflections from the Charleston Conference 2024: A Personal Perspective by Meg Waites
What a privilege it was to attend this year’s Charleston Conference, a whirlwind of insights and discussions that reinforced why this annual gathering is such a critical touchpoint for those of us in the scholarly publishing community. From session to session, as well as during breaks and shuttle rides, the recurring themes of innovation, integrity, and advocacy were top of mind, all intertwined with the challenges and opportunities that define our industry. Here’s a look at the main themes we explored, along with my reflections.
The Evolving Role of AI in Publishing
The conference opened with a fireside chat featuring Katina Strauch and Richard Charkin, where we celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Charleston Conference and reflected on how far we’ve come. AI was a dominant theme, and rightly so—it’s reshaping publishing at a breathtaking pace. We discussed its dual role: a transformative tool that could streamline processes and enhance productivity, and a potential disruptor that challenges traditional business models.
Later sessions expanded on this, with conversations about using generative AI to support authors, improve workflows, and even create new ways of interacting with scholarly content. Yet, the ethical concerns remained palpable. Transparency, bias, and environmental costs were key sticking points, as was the risk of losing human oversight in the rush to automate.
The Critical Fight for Research Integrity
One of the most striking sessions was the conversation on research integrity with Dr. Ivan Oransky and Elisabeth Bik. Scientific misconduct continues to grow, fueled by the “citation economy” and paper mills. I found the discussion on AI’s role particularly fascinating—it can either combat misconduct through better tools or exacerbate the problem when used irresponsibly. Librarians were rightfully hailed as unsung heroes in this battle, advocating for open science and for ensuring retractions are clearly communicated to users.
This tied in with NISO’s work on standardization. The need for transparent peer review practices and clear retraction notices came up again, reinforcing the idea that integrity must underpin everything we do. It’s clear there’s a lot of work ahead, but also a real appetite for change.
Accessibility and Equity: Rising to the Challenge
Discussions about the European Accessibility Act (EAA) were a wake-up call for many of us. With the June 2025 deadline looming, publishers and libraries face tough decisions about compliance. Accessibility isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s a moral imperative to ensure that scholarly content is available to everyone.
Similarly, the session on open access publishing underscored the tension between purpose and profit. Hearing from society publishers who reinvest their earnings into science was inspiring, but the financial sustainability of open access remains a tough nut to crack. Authors and libraries have diverse needs, and balancing those while maintaining equity is a challenge we all need to tackle together.
Preserving the Past Amidst Future Transformations
The keynote by Malika N. Pryor was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving history, especially for marginalized communities. The role of libraries in breaking down barriers to historical research resonated deeply with me. This was followed by a presentation on Gullah Geechee sweetgrass basket culture. Sixth-generation basket artist Andrea Cayetano-Jefferson highlighted the significance of basketmaking and rice cultivation in Charleston, and noted the challenge of historical preservation in the face of climate change as higher tides affect brush growth patterns.
As much as we look forward to the future of scholarly communication, these sessions grounded me in the reality that preserving the past is just as important. It’s a dual responsibility that libraries and publishers must carry with care.
Advocacy in the Face of Political and Legal Challenges
One of the more sobering sessions focused on the politicization of higher education and libraries. From book bans to attacks on intellectual freedom, the pressures on librarians—and publishers—are escalating. Collective advocacy emerged as a crucial strategy, with calls for stronger collaborations to protect academic freedom and uphold the values of open inquiry.
Legal challenges, particularly around AI and copyright, added another layer of complexity. Discussions around fair use and licensing agreements showcased the need for libraries and publishers to navigate these murky waters carefully, ensuring innovation doesn’t come at the expense of legal and ethical standards.
Innovation and the Future of Scholarly Communication
If there’s one thing Charleston always delivers, it’s a peek into the future of our industry. Sessions on open-source tools, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and AI-powered research workflows left me inspired about what’s possible. Yet, the emphasis on critical evaluation of AI outputs reminded us all to proceed with caution. Transparency, trust, and collaboration are key as we navigate these uncharted waters.
Final Thoughts
The Charleston Conference 2024 was a masterclass in balancing optimism with realism. The conversations reinforced the importance of our collective responsibility to innovate thoughtfully, maintain integrity, and advocate fiercely for equity and accessibility. For me, the conference was not just about learning—it was about connecting with others who share the same commitment to shaping a better future for scholarly publishing and libraries. I left inspired, and I hope these reflections spark the same energy in others.
