lectronic Versionlectronic VersionAs yet, the publisher has no set plans for individual electronic subscriptions, and is initially investigating the usage that occurs in institutions. Institutions will be able to chose from three electronic service providers: OCLC's Electronic Journals Online, Blackwell's Electronic Navigator, and the service offered by BIDS. Additional service providers may be selected during the course of the year.
The publisher is making electronic access free in the first instance because most pricing models are at an experimental stage. Some publishers are charging extra for electronic access, some are promoting a model whereby an additional payment by the library gives electronic access on all titles whether or not they are taken in print. Others are simply charging the same for electronic as print.
The policy of the publisher at this experimental stage is to promote access via the simplest possible means, namely free to paid institutional print subscribers.
