Abstract
In this paper some well-known facts about journal pricing practice are examined within the framework of a formal economic model of supply and demand. Commercial policies are then related to the traditional cost structure of academic publishing. The effect on costs of the transition to electronic formats is highlighted. Site licences are shown to be one way of exploiting new technology to break out of the vicious cycle of rising prices and declining circulations. Finally, I point to some of the other, non-economic, advantages of site licences, while recognising the issues which still need addressing.
Highlights
We all know that the real problems in this industry have less to do with technology than with business practice and law
One of the key advantages of site licences is that they depend on contract law, not copyright law, and I do not think prospective changes in the latter are going to benefit the consumers as much as they might have hoped
Where do site licences fit in? Site licences operate by pushing down the average unit price of information to the consumer and increasing usage
Summary
We all know that the real problems in this industry have less to do with technology than with business practice and law. The American White Paper is more plain-speaking and important It was produced by a Federal panel called the Working Group in Intellectual Property Rights. "Since 1985student numbers have risen by 68%,while, after adjustment for general inflation (RPI), expenditure on academic/ professional books has increased by only 24%." (Book Trade Yarhok, 1995, Publishers Associa tion). No, they are not, and this is putting inaeased Iressure on to libraries and encouraging ~ublishersto invest more in journals and less in mks, and to toughen up on photocopying of 0th.
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