A public library serving approximately 70,000 with 365 periodical
subscriptions posed this question:  Have any libraries of comparable size
and number of subscriptions considered not using a subscription agent, such
as Ebsco-- in other words, ordering directly from the publisher?

In particular, this library is wondering if publishers would be more
responsive to claims from direct-subscribing libraries than the subscription
agent.  Since they are using an automated serials system, claim notices
would be generated by the system and sent to the publisher (the library
would have to enter each publisher in their vendor file, but that is
considered a one-time inconvenience).  The automated system also generates
renewal notices.

I also asked about separate bills versus one comprehensive bill.  This
particular library has a credit card and could use this to pay for
subscriptions (I don't know their purchase order and billing process).

Have other libraries discontinued using a subscription agent and what are
some additional pros and cons to using or not using a subscription agent.

Thanks in advance.

Mark Bowman
North Dakota State Library
604 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505-0800
msmail.mbowman@ranch.state.nd.us