Re: Library Link discussion (fwd)

Subject: Re: Library Link discussion (fwd)
Tony Barry (tonyb@dynamite.com.au)
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 20:28:42 +1100

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Message-Id: <v02110103b2d096897a6f@[203.37.43.24]>
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 20:28:42 +1100
To: arl-ejournal@arl.org
From: tonyb@dynamite.com.au (Tony Barry)
Subject: Re: Library Link discussion (fwd)

On 23/1/99, Jean-Claude Guedon <guedon@ere.umontreal.ca> wrote:
>
> The problem, IMHO, stems from our mistaken view of the library as
> a mere service to "patrons". On a campus, librarians and scholars
> form the two ends of a continuous chain.

The chain from author to reader runs through the publisher, serial agent
and library. The organisation exist in the form they do because of the
inability of print technology to bridge directly between author and
reader. The network can't do it either but different forms of
organisation are evolving such as preprint/reprint servers and direct
supply from author and publisher to end user via the network.

The print serial literature is in most fields is likely to be in
terminal decline while library budgets remain static and serials costs
continue to inflate. It is completely dysfunctional that some
commercial publishers should continue to make substantial profits in
this situation by trying to force the continuance of the print journal
and block access to electronic alternatives by their pricing policies.

Tony

http://purl.oclc.org/NET/Tony.Barry

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