I've started shifting more of my electronic subscription business to an
agent, including billing for a couple of consortial purchases.  While
it's not yet as smooth of an ordering process for me as it is with the
print subscriptions, my volume is growing to the point where I feel the
benefits will outweigh the hiccups in the process.  I haven't been
through a renewal yet with my agent, but I know I can't keep handling so
many direct subscription renewals and I want the reports that I get from
my agent.

Also some publishers have notified me this month of the introduction of
penalties for late payments, by fees or a shutdown.  This seems less
likely to be a problem if I've paid my agent, rather than having an
invoice passing through the library, the university accounts payable,
and a third party or central state office cutting checks.

For those substituting electronic for print subscriptions, continuing to
use an agent can keep service charges level.

Overall, I believe the core reasons for using agents apply to the
electronic subscriptions as well as the print.  And I believe this to be
true for not only the libraries, but the publishers too.  Are there
publishers on the list who would agree with me?

--
Lauren Corbett
Acquisitions Team Leader &
Interim Division Leader for Information Resources
Emory University -- Woodruff Library
ph: 404 712 1818
fax: 404 727 0408