RIT Press is the not-for-profit scholarly book publishing enterprise at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). RIT Press is dedicated to the innovative use of new publishing technology while upholding high standards in content quality, publication design, and print/digital production. The Press offers specialized titles for niche academic audiences, trade editions for mass-market audiences, books on subjects of regional interest, occasional limited editions with unique aesthetic standards, as well as gift items.
Established in 2001 as RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press, the Press initially focused on publishing titles documenting graphic communication processes, printing history, and bookmaking. As RIT Press’s editorial scope evolved, the Press broadened its reach to include content supporting all academic disciplines offered at RIT. These include business, computer science, applied science and technology, engineering, graphic arts, deaf studies, and liberal arts. In 2007, an additional imprint, RIT Press, was established for all titles not related to the graphic arts. Beginning in 2013, all publications carry this imprint.
The Press’s current office space, the Alexander S. Lawson Publishing Center, opened in 2007. The facility’s striking design is based on the golden section, a schema that figured in historical book design. Glass walls enclose a conference room, offices, sales area and gallery. Hermann Zapf designed the typography for some 30 stimulating quotations that adorn the glass. The Lawson Center is located on the second floor of Wallace Library at RIT and is adjacent to the Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection. Visitors are welcome; we are typically open 9-4:30 Monday through Friday. Feel welcome to call (585-475-6766) ahead to ensure we will be available.
