PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION- December
03, 2001
Update No. 1 to Statement of Current Perspective and Preferred
Practices for the Selection and Purchase of Electronic Information
Update to Guidelines For
Statistical Measures Of Usage Of Web-Based Information Resources
The International Coalition of Library Consortia
(ICOLC) announces updates to two previously issued documents. Now available on the ICOLC web site are the
“Statement of Current Perspective and Preferred Practices for the Selection and
Purchase of Electronic Information: Update
No. 1:New Developments In E-Journal Licensing” and an updated “Guidelines For Statistical Measures Of Usage Of Web-Based Information
Resources”. The issuance of both
documents reflects the dynamic nature of information services to libraries and
the need for library consortia to influence the practices of the vendor
community on a global basis.
The update of the “Statement of Preferred Practices…”
focuses on developments in consortia perspectives on electronic journal
publishing since the original statement was issued in March 1998. The original “Statement of Preferred
Practices…” was the first public document issued by the ICOLC.
Among the preferred practices that the updated
statement recommends are: (1) having publishers provide multiple models for
pricing electronic journals, such as making the purchase of the print copies is
optional, with a base price for the electronic-only content that is no more
than 80% of the price, and having a combined electronic and print price that is
no more than current print-only prices; (2) enabling libraries to purchase
content in multiple models ranging the full spectrum from
"all-you-can-eat" to “by the drink”; (3) eliminating publisher
restrictions on the number of print
subscriptions that can be cancelled; (4) creating special pricing that
accommodates the needs of countries-in-transition; (5) requiring publishers to
provide complete and consistent electronic
content; (6) reaffirming the importance of fair use; (7) encouraging publishers
to support open linking of journal articles; (8) developing more non-English
language content and
interfaces; and (9) developing multiple options to
ensure persistent access to electronic content.
The updated “Guidelines For Statistical Measures…” clarifies the requirements for
reporting library usage of vendor systems based on the experience of consortia
since the original Guideline was issued in November 1998. The
data elements to be reported have been simplified, while administrative aspects
of confidentiality, access, delivery, and report format have been strengthened.
The complete original and updated Statements and
Guidelines with endorsing library consortia and additional information about
the ICOLC can be found at http://www.library.yale.edu/consortia
. These Statement and Guideline updates
are each initially endorsed by 70 library consortia from around the world. More consortia endorsements will be added to
each as received.
About the International Coalition of
Library Consortia (ICOLC)
The International Coalition
of Library Consortia (ICOLC) has been in existence since 1996. The Coalition is an international, informal
group currently comprising over 160 library consortia in North America, Europe,
Australia, Asia, and Africa. The member
consortia serve all types and sizes of libraries. ICOLC facilitates discussion among consortia on issues of common
interest, and conducts two meetings per year in North America and one meeting
per year in Europe. The organization is
dedicated to keeping its members informed about electronic information
resources, pricing practices of electronic publishers and vendors, and other
issues of importance to consortium directors and governing boards. The Coalition also meets with the
information provider community to discuss product offerings and issues of
mutual concern.
More information
about ICOLC can be found at http://www.library.yale.edu/consortia
or contact Tom Sanville, Executive
Director, OhioLINK, Suite 300, 2455 North Star Road, Columbus, OH 43221,
Phone: 614-728-3600, ext. 322; tom@ohiolink.edu
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION ABOUT: Statement of
Current Perspective and Preferred Practices for the Selection and Purchase of
Electronic Information: Update
No. 1:New Developments In E-Journal Licensing, PLEASE CONTACT:
In North America:
Arnold Hirshon, Executive
Director, NELINET, 153 Cordaville Road, Southborough MA 01772. Phone: 508-597-1934. Fax: 508-460-9455; ahirshon@nelinet.net
Beverlee A. French, Interim
University Librarian, California Digital Library, Systemwide Planning for
Libraries and Scholarly Information, University of California, 300 Lakeside
Drive 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612-3550.
Phone: 510-987-0425 Fax: 510-893-5212; beverlee.french@ucop.edu
In Europe:
Frederick J. Friend,
Director Scholarly Communication, University College London, Gower Street,
London WC1E 6BT, England. Phone and
Fax: +020-7679-4529; ucylfjf@ucl.ac.uk
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT: Guidelines
For Statistical Measures Of Usage Of Web-Based Information Resources,
PLEASE CONTACT:
Sue Phillips, Director, University of Texas System Digital Library,
University of Texas’ P. O. Box P, Austin, TX 78713-8916,
Phone: 512-495-4350; s.phillips@mail.utexas.edu