The Ohio State University

OhioLINK is in regular negotiation with e-journal publishers for a statewide license throughout the year. While these negotiations are active, it is not in our best interests to be adding print subscriptions as they will increase the cost of our electronic subscription and savings from print cancellations will be reduced. A number of publishers who have been unwilling to make a deal with OhioLINK cite the fact that as long as the universities in Ohio continue to make new purchases of print copies, there is no incentive for the publisher to make a deal with OhioLINK for electronic access.

Issues for OSUL:

What should our policies and practices be for placing new print subscription orders with publishers in negotiation with OhioLINK?

Recommendation for discussion:

The following guidelines were developed by the Collections Advisory Council at its meeting on September 12th:

1. Publishers in active negotiation with OhioLINK (OhioLINK is working on details of a contract with the publisher):
   1. No new print orders will be placed while the negotiations are active.
   2. When negotiations are complete and a deal has been signed, the decision to purchase a print copy falls under #3 below.
   3. If negotiations fail, the decision to purchase a print copy falls under #2 below.

2. Publishers not in active negotiation with OhioLINK (no discussions are occurring at present with OhioLINK):
   1. If no negotiations are occurring, a print subscription will be placed at the collection manager's request.
   2. Collection managers are encouraged to consider how urgent the need for the print title is knowing that continuing to purchase print copies will negatively impact OhioLINK's ability to make an economical deal for the electronic version.

3. Publishers whose titles are currently available in the EJC (or shortly will become available):
   1. In general, new print copies will not be placed where the electronic copy is provided on an archival basis by OhioLINK.
   2. If a collection manager requests a print copy of a title already in the EJC, a special justification for why the print is needed must be made to the Assistant Director for Technical Services and Collections.
   3. That justification should address the issues of why a print copy is needed when electronic access is available, e.g. quality of photographs, readability of formulas and other charts.

In any case, collection managers should feel free to consult with the Assistant Director for Technical Services and Collections.