Description
This paper outlines the issues libraries face as they consider the transition from print (or hybrid) to electronic-only for journal literature. Although many library managers – in particular in the STM area – are keen to move as swiftly as possible to e-only, there is a series of drawbacks and problems which need to be addressed. This paper uses the three headings of Space, Costs and Availability to explore and discuss these issues. Even though there are many advantages in moving to e-only, there are also many disadvantages which make it more difficult to promote and can lead to serious delays in the transition process. The author is writing with Oxford University in mind, but the issues are applicable to all major academic libraries. The main STM publishers, together with the STM libraries, are leading the way towards eonly. It is anticipated that Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities will follow sooner or later, as availability of current and retrospective e-journal coverage in these subject areas continue to improve. Experiences made in the STM libraries will be invaluable to other subject areas as they move forward during the next years.
Included in
The Disincentive of E-only
This paper outlines the issues libraries face as they consider the transition from print (or hybrid) to electronic-only for journal literature. Although many library managers – in particular in the STM area – are keen to move as swiftly as possible to e-only, there is a series of drawbacks and problems which need to be addressed. This paper uses the three headings of Space, Costs and Availability to explore and discuss these issues. Even though there are many advantages in moving to e-only, there are also many disadvantages which make it more difficult to promote and can lead to serious delays in the transition process. The author is writing with Oxford University in mind, but the issues are applicable to all major academic libraries. The main STM publishers, together with the STM libraries, are leading the way towards eonly. It is anticipated that Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities will follow sooner or later, as availability of current and retrospective e-journal coverage in these subject areas continue to improve. Experiences made in the STM libraries will be invaluable to other subject areas as they move forward during the next years.