I have obtained Gill Jordan's permission to forward his message to
SERIALST in the hope of getting ideas for his document. It is possible
-- likely, even -- that all of most people will have difficulty sending
messages to his address. I had to use the form in the "From" line below,
substituting my own Internet gateway. That may work for you. However,
if you are not able to send messages to him, please send them either
to me or to the list, and I will forward them. Thanks for your help!
-Marcia Tuttle
 ---------------------------- Text of forwarded message -----------------------
From: GILL%uctlib.uct.ac.za@husc6
Subject:  PROS AND CONS OF USING SUBSCRIPTION AGENTS

I have to prepare a document detailing the pros and cons of using
subscription agents vs dealing directly with publishers to present to
our Library Committee Chair - a mathematician who does not like the
notion of paying handling fees/service charges on top of already
wickedly expensive journal prices, and who thinks that by subscribing
directly with the publishers, we will cut out unnecessary costs. A
rosy view indeed.

However, it is very difficult to quantify the benefits of using agents
in terms that a mathematician would appreciate.  I wonder, has anyone
out there done a cost/benefit analysis on the subject?  I cannot be
the only serials librarian faced with this problem and I could surely
use a little help!

Replies please to Gill Jordan, UCT Libraries, University of Cape Town,
Rondebosch 7700, South Africa, or e-mail address GILL@UCTLIB.UCT.AC.ZA