Re: Elsevier's Approach to Pricing

[Tony Ferguson <ferguson@columbia.edu>]

At the Elsevier Science Direct users group meeting we were told that the
need for a separate profile for titles we did not own in print would be
dropped, that they had thought that we (universities) would want to know
who was using up our credits.  Perhaps Neil could respond to this.  By the
way, our user community is very pleased with Science Direct and I am
pleased with the inflation help that is included in and outside of Science
Direct.  Elsevier is to be applauded -- a roll back to 1995 or 1997 prices
would get my standing, leaping, applause. tony

_______

"Posner, Neil(ELS)" wrote:

> As many of you know, many positive changes have been made to Elsevier
> Science policies (including pricing policies) in the last few months.  In
> addition, the positive feedback we have received from our ScienceDirect
> customers has been very promising in terms of validating our goal to
> enhance the dissemination of scientific information.
>
> In view of our increased efforts to focus on our customers' needs, we are
> troubled by the recent comments made in the liblicense-l forum.  Several
> of the comments lead us to believe that there is a basic misunderstanding
> of our policies.  Simply put, the perception voiced by a few individuals
> is not the reality.
>
> Though it is extremely difficult to address these concerns in this type of
> forum, we would like to set the record straight on a few items.
>
> 1. Elsevier Science recognizes that each institution is unique.
>
> 2. Pricing alternatives do exist for the delivery of electronic content
> through the SD platform.  These alternatives are based on such
> considerations as each institution's service level goals, user needs
> (including programs of study), and funding for electronic resources.
>
> 3. With the goal of helping institutions find a solution to the problem of
> limited (rationed) availability of scientific information, we provide for
> the possibility (not the force feeding) of access to our entire database
> of over 1,100 journals, if that option is desired by a customer.
>
> 4. Combined print and electronic information delivery is available for
> only a small increase in cost over the price of print and is based on the
> customer's existing print collection.  Electronic-only subscriptions are
> available for less than the cost of the print subscription.
>
> 5. ScienceDirect customers with access to the entire Elsevier Science
> journal collection report that the usage of titles previously unsubscribed
> to account for a surprisingly large proportion of the total usage of
> Elsevier material.  This indicates quite clearly that the availability of
> additional material is a significant value to our customers.  Contrary to
> comments made in this forum, there is no requirement that a customer
> accept this particular option.
>
> 6. Elsevier Science is actively pursuing the enhancement of our electronic
> products and platforms and expects that in the future there will be
> targeted products available to meet the specific needs of different types
> of libraries and user communities.
>
> At this time it is important that we learn from the feedback of librarians
> and researchers who, based on their experiences with ScienceDirect, are
> beginning to identify a new set of requirements for the second generation
> of electronic services.  As a result, we expect new products and
> accompanying new pricing options to emerge. The business model of today
> must be viewed as transitional in nature.
>
> Neil Posner
> Vice President - Pricing
> Elsevier Science
> n.posner@elsevier.com <mailto:k.hunter@elsevier.com>