ICOLC Release - Preferred Practices & Web Statistics Updated

[Ann Okerson <ann.okerson@yale.edu>]

INTERNATIONAL COALITION OF LIBRARY CONSORTIA (ICOLC)

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:

o �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

o Updated �Guidelinesfor 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 Measure describes the needs and
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