Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2001 12:24:39 +1100
From: Stephen Lacey <slacey@NLA.GOV.AU>
Subject: Paper + online access discussion

I would just like to add my 2 cents worth to the discussion. I agree that
there is no single perfect solution.

The National Library of Australia's electronic access program has been
progressing slowly. For over 12 months we have been converting as many of
our print and CD-ROM reference tools and abstracts and indexes to electronic
access where this is available and when the price is acceptable.

We have recently experimented with journals that have free electronic access
provided as part of a print subscription. Access is currently provided free
of charge to a small number of titles through EBSCO Online. We have also
contacted our other major vendors to find options for access to titles
subscribed through them. The big issue I see here is the fact that we could
be moving away from a "one-stop-shop" for access if each vendor provides
access to only the titles subscribed through them.

The Library is now thinking of making the jump to electronic only journals
and other print/electronic packages. We are very concerned about all of the
issues being raised by libraries worldwide through this and other lists as
well as our role as a national library in regards to archiving.

I am not trying to sell the following, but information has been provided to
me recently regarding a service called TDNet. TDNet basically offers access
to all e-journals that are available and that a customer elects to choose.
It provides table of contents of nearly 22,000 journals and links to 12,000
e-journal websites. We currently have trial access and we will evaluate the
service accordingly. Check out their website http://www.tdnet.com to judge
for yourself.

Regards

Steve
Stephen Lacey
Manager, Serials
National Library of Australia
Tel: (02) 6262 1157
Fax: (02) 6273 4322
email: slacey@nla.gov.au