The more journals move to electronic only, the larger the number of
computers needed to access them. Computers use up huge amounts of resources
in their manufacture and the electricity needed to run them, so I'm not sure
the environmental argument really stands up!
Michael Robbins,
Senior Library Assistant,
University of East Anglia Library,
Norwich,
NR4 7TJ
01603 592437
-----Original Message-----
From: Roome, Nickie (IMD) [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 27 September 2004 15:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Discarding of print journal issues on receipt when journal is
available in electronic format
I would have thought one of the main reasons for moving to electronic only
was actually to conserve vital world resources ... but then, I do work for
Defra!
We are moving to provision of serials in electronic form as much as possible
... though like others, I'm sure, we're encountering resistance from some
users who, quite inexplicably ;-), prefer to have a circulated copy they can
read on the train!
Nickie Roome
Assistant Librarian (Acquisitions and Unicorn Systems Administration)
Defra Information Resource Centre
Lower Ground Floor
Ergon House
c/o 17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
020 7238 3325
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: John Wintrip [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 27 September 2004 15:23
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Discarding of print journal issues on receipt when journal is
available in electronic format
Electronic subscriptions are subject to VAT, whereas print is zero
rated, and print (with 'free' electronic access) is usually also zero
rated. Even though the nett cost of electronic subscriptions is often
lower, the total cost, including VAT, is usually higher than either
print or print with electronic.
Although an institution may be able to reclaim VAT, its library service
does not necessarily benefit from this. As far as the library budget is
concerned, electronic access is generally more expensive than print with
electronic.
The main reason for moving to electronic only is to reduce the staff
time involved in processing print journals.
The most cost-effective option at present, taking into account both
staffing and materials budgets, would therefore seem to be to continue
to subscribe to print with electronic, but not to add the print issues
to stock and simply send them for recycling on receipt.
I would be interested to know whether any libraries have adopted this
policy.
John
------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
John Wintrip, Faculty Librarian (Applied Sciences)
Bolland Library, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane,
Bristol,
BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Tel: 0117 3282495 Fax: 0117 3282407
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