Re: AMA pricing and the concurrent user model

[Dave Piper <dpiper@ahsl.arizona.edu>]

We currently have the concurrent user model.  We find it unsatisfactory
because of how often our users are not able to get to the article they
want.  The problem is that when the concurrent user threshold is reached,
instead of getting some sort of message explaining the problem and
suggesting they try again later, they are shown a message inviting them to
purchase the article.  And the way we find out about this is that they
call the library and say "Did you drop your subscription?"

Regarding concurrent user access--unsatisfactory as it is for us--AMA
appears to be getting ready to dump that mode of access--at least on
paper.  You'll note that the institutional subscription options they have
on their web site refer only to the following types of access:
   1. site license (IP-based) access (the super-expensive option)
   2. institutional access based on username/password
   3. dedicated workstation access (with static IP)

Given the fact that institutions may be balking at paying $100,000+ prices
for annual site licenses, perhaps the AMA is considering maintaining
concurrent user access.  If they do and if nothing else changes, that's
probably the choice we'll continue to go with, problematic as it has been
for our users.  Our first choice would be IP-based unlimited
institution-wide access, but only if it comes with a reasonable price tag.

       --Dave Piper


	Dave Piper, MLS
        Arizona Health Sciences Library
        The University of Arizona          dpiper@ahsl.arizona.edu
        1501 N Campbell Ave                           520.626.2529
        PO Box 245079                            FAX: 520.626.2922
        Tucson AZ  85724-5079                 www.ahsl.arizona.edu

Dora Getman wrote:

>Dear all,
>
>We asked for 2003 medical univeresities & affiliated hospitals entire
>online collection quotations. Cost varies from 5 concurrent users @$6,495
>to 10 concurrent users@13,995. Wide IP address access, no user or
>password, no dedicated workstations. To us it would appeal.
>
>Best,
>
>Dora Getman,
>Head of Acquisitions & Serials
>Tel Aviv Univ Lib of Life Sci & Medicine
>dorag@tauex.tau.ac.il
>
>
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Colleagues,
>
>Last week we received a quote from AMA for unlimited access by University
>of Arizona authorized users to JAMA and the 9 Archives titles. Cost for
>2003--a mere $127,690.00.
>
>Alternative lower cost access models are available, but these include a
>static-IP, dedicated workstation option and a username/password (i.e., one
>concurrent user?) option--neither of which have any appeal to us.
>
>We're interested in hearing if others have started receiving similarly 
>astronomically high quotes from AMA?   Please copy Dave Piper in our 
>Collection Services Dept. - dpiper@AHSL.arizona.edu
>
>Gary Freiburger, Director
>Arizona Health Sciences Library
>1501 N. Campbell Ave.
>P.O. Box 245079
>Tucson, AZ  85724-5079
>
>Phone: 520-626-6121
>Fax:   520-626-2922
>Email: garyf@ahsl.arizona.edu