Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 09:31:44 +0000
From: "Mestecky, Philip (ELS)" <p.mestecky@ELSEVIER.CO.UK>
Subject: Web Encyclopedia

I am currently working on a project to develop a new 11 volume Encyclopedia
in the field of materials science and would very much value the input and
suggestions of the readers of this newsgroup to help us shape the way in
which we offer it to our customers.

The problem we are trying to wrestle with is how best to offer the
Encyclopedia in electronic form. Our research so far has clearly indicated
that there is a strong if not unanimous preference among librarians for a
Web-based solution rather than CD-ROM. This has allowed us to abandon the
idea of CD-ROM and concentrate on the Web but it has not yet revealed how we
should offer the print and electronic versions for sale. We are also still
to confirm the best way to provide updates to the Web version.

Currently our thinking is this:

Purchasers of the 11 volume Encyclopedia will be provided with three years
institution-wide access via IP domain to the Web version included in the
price. This will include the updates that take place in the first three
years (we estimate c. 100 new or revised articles per year) and will allow
purchasers a significant period of time to test the service and evaluate its
usefulness to researchers, faculty and students. After this period the Web
version with updates would need to be purchased on an annual subscription
basis much as you might subscribe to database services.

This is based on the premise that most libraries still want to own a print
set of the Encyclopedia but would appreciate the opportunity for users to
use the electronic Encyclopedia from anywhere within the institution. For
this reason we are offering a traditional print Encyclopedia, but giving
libraries and users the chance to evaluate the Web version before making a
financial commitment to subscribe to it.

Your comments on this suggestion or your ideas for alternative approaches
will make a significant difference to the approach we eventually take so
will be gratefully received. The feedback I get will, if users wish it, be
shared with the newsgroup.

Many thanks in advance for your help and input.

Phil Mestecky
Publisher, Materials Science