About the combative character of the hero of the day, about the beloved work that saves from any adversity, about almost half a century of life in publishing – a conversation with Director of SSU Publishing House Irina Buchko.

She told us how she had become involved in publishing. ‘In 1975, I joined SSU Publishing House as a proof-reader. I was received by the director Vladimir Tolstov. I was going to work for a couple of years in a “quiet place” and stayed for a long period. I have gone through all the stages of editorship, in 1993, Rector Anatolii Bogomolov appointed me to the post of the editor-in-chief. I got carried away with this work, although it was a difficult time.’

Irina Buchko commented in detail in an interview on the history of SSU Publishing House. This year, it celebrates 65 years old. Anyone who wants to get to know its history in more detail can open a two-volume anniversary edition – The History of Saratov University. 1909-2009.

She also answered questions about what quality she considered decisive for the editor of a scientific publishing house, how the publishing business had changed during her work. ‘When I joined the publishing house almost half a century ago, it was just huge – four editorial offices, 20 editors! Everyone on their own literature – not a step aside. Now in the publishing house, every editor is a universal and must be able to make any book.’

She shared her experience of how a small staff of employees managed to master and publish such a volume of specialised literature, working with a team of the huge SSU staff, what criteria determined the quality of publishing today, and what place SSU Publishing House occupied in its professional sphere. ‘Over the years, the publishing house has received more than 100 diplomas, including in the most prestigious nominations. Not every publishing house has such awards.’

And, of course, in an interview, Irina Buchko dwelt in detail on the most resonant and iconic publications of the university publishing house in its entire history. It turned out that there was a whole galaxy of them, so, it is impossible to write about all of them. Alas, many authors have passed away. ‘... People leave, but books cherish the memory of them. You pick up such books with a special feeling, even with sinking heart. And no e-book will give you these feelings,’ she said.

And she admitted, ‘I am lucky that I love my profession very much. I am attracted by her polyphony. The editor just edits the text, and I am always interested in seeing the whole book in advance, as a publisher, both from the point of view of design, layout quality, technical editing, and from the position of an artist who makes the cover. I know a lot about printing, although I do not consider myself as an expert. That is why my intuition does not let me down when I send books to contests. As a rule, we win and get several awards.’

Read the full version of the interview with Irina Buchko, I Was Lucky to Have Such a Job, Although It Is Becoming Exotic, in the Research City section.