The textbook publisher will transfer to the MIT Press as of July 2025 in time for Fall 2025 course adoptions.
The MIT Press is proud to announce the acquisition of textbook publisher University Science Books from AIP Publishing, a subsidiary of the American Institute of Physics.
University Science Books was founded in 1978 to publish intermediate and advanced level science and reference books by respected authors, published with the highest design and production standards, and priced as affordably as possible. Over the years, USB’s authors have acquired international followings, and its textbooks in chemistry, physics and astronomy have been recognized as the gold standard in their respective disciplines. USB was acquired by AIP Publishing in 2021.
Bestsellers include John Taylor’s Classical Mechanics, the #1 adopted text for undergrad mechanics courses in the U.S. and Canada, and his Introduction to Error Analysis; and Don McQuarrie’s Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (commonly known as “Big Red”), the second-most adopted physical chemistry textbook in the U.S.
“We are so pleased to have found a new home for USB’s prestigious list of textbooks in the sciences,” said Alix Vance, CEO of AIP Publishing. “With its strong STEM focus, academic rigor, and high production standards, the MIT Press is the perfect partner to continue the publishing legacy of University Science Books.”
“This acquisition is both a brand and content fit for the MIT Press,” said Amy Brand, Director and Publisher of the MIT Press. “USB’s respected science list will complement our long-established publishing history of publishing foundational texts in computer science, finance, and economics.”
The MIT Press will take over the USB list as of July 1, 2025 with inventory transferring to Penguin Random House Publishing Services, the MIT Press’s sales and distribution partner.
For details regarding University Science Books titles, inventory, or how to order, please contact the MIT Press at mitpress_textbooks@mit.edu.
About the MIT Press
Established in 1962, The MIT Press is one of the largest and most distinguished university presses in the world and a leading publisher of books and journals at the intersection of science, technology, art, social science, and design.
About AIP Publishing
AIP Publishing is a wholly owned not-for-profit subsidiary of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and supports the charitable, scientific, and educational purposes of AIP through scholarly publishing activities on its behalf and on behalf of our publishing partners.