I'm reminded of something I read in Library Trends (1995), although it's a
bit dated.
'It will be a tragedy... if the new [sic] mechanism for electronic
publishing is commercially based; in that event, our costs will be no less
and our control no greater.'
There is a clear challenge here for universities and academics, for the
idea of researchers gaining control over their own research output is a
radical one, but one that is gaining support primarily amongst academic
librarians. Unless the academic community takes positive steps in this
direction then the long-term future looks bleak.
There is only one winner in the present system. For authors, libraries and
universities in general there are only degrees of losing.
Colin.
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Colin S. Johnston
Lending Services
Rutherford Information Services Building
Goldsmiths College
New Cross
London SE14 6NW
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Tel: (020) 7919 7155
Fax: (020) 7919 7165
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