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re: Perpetual access
Looking at the responses to this question, perpetual access might be less of an issue in the cases where the library physically has the data at their site (or designated location). In the case of CD-ROMs or locally loading data retention of the data after discontinuing the subscription may be negotiated. For these instances the library already has the resources to continue to make the information available to the user. However, having access to the data may not be enough. If the data is provided in proprietary format that requires vendor supplied software support issues could arise. If the library is no longer paying a license fee, they are presumably no longer getting support for this software. So what happens if there are problems with the software? Perhaps it was written on a now obsolete version of an operating system. I think a larger problem will be for data licensed by libraries that is load and maintained by the vendor rather than at the library site. For many of us, this is how we plan to access this data. If my library discontinues the license how will I get the archival access? I believe that OCLC has provided for perpetual access through their site. If I remember correctly there is a access fee to get to the data, which is not unreasonable since you will be using their system resources. But there is still a cost associated with accessing the information. What if the vendors response is that they will give you the files of the material that you subscribed to? If you have been relying on the vendor to host the material, can your library mount the information locally? Is the information is standard format (e.g. smgl or other recognized format)? Do you have the local resources to not only load the data but also make it available? Will it be available at any time or just on demand? What about refreshing the format of the data it becomes obsolete Obsolete formats have been a problem in the past. Witness some of the microform reader equipment in libraries that could qualify for the Smithsonian. I think all of us recognize that there are costs associated with maintaining archival access to paper versions of material. Space, lighting, binding, and staff costs must be factored in. Many libraries are facing space crises. If there are modest costs associated with perpetual access to electronic formats, it maybe less than some current costs of perpetual access to paper information. -- ================================== Sara L. Randall, Executive Director Penn. Academic Library Connection Initiative 8A East Packer Avenue Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA 18015-3170 voice: 610-758-6841 Fax: 610-758-3044 slr5@lehigh.edu
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