Package deals unwrapped … or the librarian wrapped up? “Forced acquisition” in the digital library

Abstract

PurposeThis paper sets out to give an overview of the history of electronic journal package deals in Flanders and the role of consortia. The influence of package deals on libraries' budget, collection management and their role in the advancing monopolization of the information market are highlighted. The article also seeks to clariy why package deals were so attractive in the beginning but turned into a poisoned chalice for many. As an illustration of why it is so hard to get out of a deal, an average package deal license agreement is described.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses personal experience and views supported with background literature.FindingsThe article advocates better co‐operation between libraries and directed communication with the scholarly community which hold the key to making alternatives work.Originality/valueA resource for those not (completely) familiar with package deals and their wide influence. The available alternatives and the remaining obstacles are described.