The library world widely recognizes Frederick Gale Ruffner, Jr., as a leader in reference publishing. From humble beginnings in Detroit in 1954, working first at the kitchen table in his home and then at a rented desk in the Book Tower, Fred Ruffner and his wife Mary built Gale Research Company. The Association of American Publishers honored Ruffner with its tenth annual Curtis Benjamin award, citing him as an individual "whose vision, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit have generated publications which set new standards for information publishing."

In 1985, Fred Ruffner and his son Peter created a new publishing company, Omnigraphics, to provide reference resources to libraries and schools, with the same commitment to quality that has endured for over half a century.

Twenty years later, the legacy continues. In an age of consolidation and monopolization of information sources, Omnigraphics remains independent and devoted to meeting librarian and patron needs. By remaining a small publisher, focusing on doing a few things very well, Omnigraphics continues to meet the needs of libraries and schools for quality reference works.