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The Research and Publications Committee (R&P) is the volunteer body responsible for the policies and procedures of the SBL publications program. The Committee is composed of six SBL members in good standing, five of which are selected by the Nominating Committee and approved by Council. The Nominating Committee designates which member will be the chair. The general editor of the Journal of Biblical Literature serves as the sixth voting member of this committee by virtue of his/her editorial position. Each member is approved for a three-year term that may be renewed. Effort is made to have representation from the guild outside North America and to provide for both male and female members, although there is not a proscribed formula for gender equity. The Editorial Director reports to the Committee and participates in the meetings in an advisory capacity. The Managing Editor attends the meetings and acts as secretary. Neither the Editorial Director nor the Managing Editor is a voting member.

The primary function of the R&P Committee is to engage in strategic thinking in reviewing and setting policy related to the SBL publications program. That is, the Committee establishes the broad, long-term goals and the general shape of the publications program as a whole, but it does not exercise oversight over the day-to-day operations of the SBL publications department. The Editorial Director manages and directs operations of the department and reports directly to the Executive Director.

The Committee votes on editorial appointments (both general series editors and editorial boards) and reports decisions to Council. The Committee reviews any new book series that is proposed for SBL publications.