Brenau University has added a publishing arm to its media outlets and is releasing its first book this month.

The Brenau University Press will produce scholarly works and works of more general interest available to the global community, said Brenau University spokesman David Morrison. Over the next 18 months, Brenau University Press will develop a business plan for a well-defined acquisition and publication strategy and new methods of publishing, including electronic book formats and on-demand publishing.

The university’s first publication will be the memoirs of Gainesville media executive John W. Jacobs, Jr. "The Longer you Live" recounts Jacobs’ personal history and the evolution of Gainesville since the 1920’s.

All profits from the memoirs will support Brenau University scholarships.

Morrison said Jacobs’ contributions helped offset the start-up costs of the Brenau University Press.

"It was a win-win situation for everybody," he said.

Morrison said the idea for the university press originated in a meeting last winter when a professor presented a mock-up of a peer review journal to handle academic material and copyrights. Brenau University President Ed Schrader encouraged Morrison to work with professors and community leaders to develop a full-fledged university press.

North Georgia College & State University recently started its own press, as well.

Morrison said the Brenau University Press will serve as a publisher for academic journals and writings that are of interest to the Hall County community.

"It’s probably going to publish things that would not get published elsewhere," he said.