Eleanor Cook has a good point, and I will do some more checking and report
back.  In part, I think my inclination to "blame" the vendor is due to the
large credits that are offered.  Tuesday we received a memo from this vendor
that would effectively reduce our increase, THIS YEAR ONLY,from 34% to 12%,
and goes on to remind us of the 50% discount available if we renew at 100%.
  I'd like to see lower prices on the front end, and no "special
deals".  Much of this product is effectively single source, so it would
seem that the vendor could establish cost, add the profit needed, and set
firm prices...  no?  (Actually if I thought that the increased $$ were
going to help them revamp their accounting department, I wouldn't mind
paying a little extra).  Well, i'll compare some subscription costs to
film costs and report back.

   Gloria Ostrander-Dykstra
   Albertsons Library
   Boise State University
   <ALIOSTRA@IDBSU.IDBSU.EDU>