FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    From: Laura Ralstin
Corporate Communications
(205) 991-1492

1996 SERIAL PRICE PROJECTIONS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Based on current economic indicators and
historical data on publisher price increases, EBSCO has released
preliminary projections for 1996 serials prices. At this point, overall
price increases of 12.5 - 13.5 percent are projected.

For journals published in the United States, a 10 - 11 percent increase is
expected (a slightly lower increase is expected for consumer-oriented
titles). For journals published in Europe, estimated price increases are as
follows:

European journals priced in U.S. dollars or with fixed
conversion rates:  17 - 19%
(Approximately 10 - 11 percent of this projected increase is inflation in
the price of journals; 7 - 8 percent is due to currency fluctuation that has
occurred since prices were set for 1995 subscriptions.)
Journals priced with variable rates:10.5 - 12.5%
(Approximately 10 - 11 percent of this projected increase is inflation in
the price of journals; 0.5 - 1.5 percent is due to currency fluctuation that
has occurred since publishers were paid for 1995 subscriptions.)

Again, these figures are based on the current U.S. dollar exchange rates
for the currencies of the given countries of origin. "The estimated price
increase for European journals priced in U.S. dollars will be most
applicable to U.S. libraries, as most major European publishers now set
prices in U.S. dollars for U.S. customers instead of pricing them in native
currencies. These rates are generally set in mid to late summer," said F.
Dixon Brooke Jr., Vice President, EBSCO Subscription Services Division
General Manager. One component of U.S. dollar rates is the strength of
the U.S. dollar as compared to publishers' native currencies at the time
these rates are set, so it is difficult to predict the eventual price of such
journals this early in the year. Journals priced with variable rates will be
affected by the strength of the U.S. dollar in early fall when publishers
are paid for these journals.

As always, EBSCO recommends adding 3 - 5 percent to the estimated
price increases for all journals to protect library budgets from a weakening
in the dollar's value between now and when rates are set or publishers are
paid.

Other factors influencing journal prices this year include double-digit
increases in the cost of white, non-recycled paper and in U.S. postage
rates. EBSCO will provide updated estimates on the cost of 1996
subscriptions in the coming months.
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Released: February 17, 1995