International Coalition of Library Consortia Statement of Current Perspective and Preferred Practices for the Selection and Purchase of Electronic Information

Abstract

In December 2001, the International Coalition of Library Consortia issued an update to its March 1998 “Statement of Current Perspective and Preferred Practices for the Selection and Purchase of Electronic Information.” New developments in e-journal licensing reflect issues that either encourage or hinder growth in e-journal access. Pricing and purchasing models, usage statistics, usability of electronic journals, and archiving concerns are the major points addressed in the statement and in reactions from the serials community. This article reprints the December 2001 update, with commentary first from Ann Okerson, Yale University Library, “Is It the Price, or Is It the Pricing Model?” From HARRASSOWITZ, Knut Dorn, Danny Jones, and Katharina Klemperer share “A Subscription Agent's View” and remind us of key services that agencies provide. “A Middleman's View to ICOLC's Update No. 1” is the concluding response by Dan Tonkery (EBSCO), who adds to the agency perspective by issuing challenges for communication and provides a reality check for libraries, intermediaries, and publishers. Serials Review 2003; 29:3–10.