Serials Pricing-An Agent's View: Trends and Characteristics of Higher Education Funding and STM Journal Pricing

Abstract This session explored the current and future pricing of STM information distribution with three speakers representing the subscription agent, the nonprofit publisher, and the library perspectives. Allen Powell presented current pricing characteristics and trends of STM journals published in print and electronic formats. Malcolm Getz focused on journal publishers who contemplate distributing their titles in electronic format and are concerned that revenues will remain sufficient to sustain operations should print sales decline. David Stern discussed models of alternative information delivery and pricing packages that attempt to maintain a relatively stable revenue base while allowing for the customization of purchase profiles for organziations and research communities.