The Chronicle of Higher Education notes that tough economic times are forcing libraries to revise their acquisition budgets, reduce their purchasing plans while pressuring publishers for price cuts. While publishers seem to be somewhat willing to forgo the ‘industry standard’ 5% price increase this year, libraries are pushing for deeper cuts as well.
The article also suggests that we may see more libraries joining consortia for the extra power it gives them in reducing costs and negotiating better pricing, even if it means giving up some of their autonomy.
