Hello all: We are looking into buying online access for a number of journals by one publisher for 2006. We considered the possibility that after negotiations, that we would order direct with the publisher. However, should this come to pass, (and still too early to tell if we can) we will most likely still be ordering through the subscription agents. In addition to the extra time and energy, problem solving, extra institutional checks going out directly publishers which might go astray, for us, there is also 2 other factors. (at least in my logic which may be flawed). Going direct with these e only titles would eliminate any service charge for those titles, but could increase the service charge we would pay on our remaining titles. Our fiscal year begins in July, and we take advantage of any agents' early renewal and early payment discounts. A smaller bottom line to the subscription agent will mean a smaller renewal and payment discount. We depend on this rebate to help offset unexpected price increases later. John Lucas Serials Librarian University of Mississippi Medical Center 2500 North State St Jackson, MS 39216-4505 (PH) (601) 984-1277 (FAX) ( 601) 984-1262 JLUCAS@ROWLAND.UMSMED.EDU >>> lohler@OU.EDU 6/29/2005 4:18:35 PM >>> I fully agree. This is a sticky situation for libraries. We also use Ebsco and are very pleased with the service we get from them. However, we have chosen not to pay the service fee and instead go direct when extensive negotiation of the license agreement and particulars of the order are already done directly with the publisher. But again, this decision must be weighed against the time/energy a library wants to commit to problem-solving when things go wrong with electronic access, and the question of how that will play out as more and more direct online orders are added. I brought this issue up with Dan Tonkery, Vice President and Director of Business Development for Ebsco after his presentation at the recent ALA conference program: How to Assess Your Vendor's Financial Viability. Vendors are aware this is an issue for libraries, and yes, more dialogue needs to exist between vendors and publishers. He encouraged libraries to work closely with their vendors and with publishers to encourage more discussion between all involved. I would also be very interested to know how other libraries are dealing with this issue? Are you going direct, or sticking with your vendor? Sincerely, Lila Ohler Acquisitions Librarian University of Oklahoma Acquisitions/Serials Dept. 401 W. Brooks St. LL211 Norman, OK 73019-0528 405-325-2141 lohler@ou.edu -----Original Message----- From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Lorbeer Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 12:07 PM To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [SERIALST] subscription agent service fees question-online journal subscription My library uses Ebsco to order our electronic journals. Like you, I share the dislike for the $10 per title service charge. In 2004, we purchased the LWW Total Collection, composed of 234 titles, and paid $10 for each title in the bundle. Right now we most likely pay about $3,000 to $4,000 in title charges. What's happening is that the publisher is no longer cutting a share to the agent like before with print orders. It's unfair to the agent who has historically brought a steady stream of customers to the publisher. I encourage agents and publishers to sit down and broker a deal that allows the agent to recoup their commission. It's too tempting for the customer to leave the agent and buy directly from the publisher. I strongly believe in using a subscription agent and supporting the practices of the ASA (http://www.subscription-agents.org/). Rollo Turner wrote an excellent article two years ago on the value of using an agent. The agent provides many services which I am not equipped to handle. Further, when an electronic journal is not working, or the publisher has failed to apply payment for a renewal, all I have to do is call my agent, and this matter is taken care of in a matter of hours. They have the contacts, the power, and knowledge to keep my collection electrified. A word to the wise: If the decision is to remove substantial amount of business from the agent, you can expect your annual service charge to rise on the rest of the subscriptions they order on your behalf. Though the per title charge may seem excessive, weight it against an increase in annual service charge. Sincerely, Liz Lorbeer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Elizabeth Lorbeer; EdM, MLS Collection Development Manager Rush University Medical Center Armour Academic Facility, 5th Floor 600 South Paulina Street Chicago, IL 60612-3832 Phone: (312) 942-2282 Fax: (312) 942-3143 Email: Elizabeth_R_Lorbeer@rush.edu Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 12:34:03 -0400 From: Tian Zhang <ZHANGT@STJOHNS.EDU> Subject: Re: subscription agent service fees question-online journal subscription We use Ebsco since 2002. Their service is good. Instead of the service fee, Ebsco also charge $10 per title if the publisher does not give them commission for that title. But I have a question: right now, we subscribe more and more e-journals, and usually, I have to sign the license agreement with the publisher directly. Also I have to activate the journal by IP address and then put the URLs to our catalog records for our library users. As online journal, our library do not need to make claims. And most of the time, I subscribe the journals by packages with the publisher if it is available. And I want to subscribe these titles directly through publisher and withdraw them from any agent by spending service fees. What are your opinions about it? Tian Zhang Serials Librarian St. John's University Library
