The ALPSP Learned Journals Collection A presentation by Swets Blackwell

Agenda: Background to the initiative What is the role of Swets Blackwell? Where are we now in the process? Next steps Future options for Subscription Agents

Background to the initiative: ALPSP The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers that represents not-for-profit publishers Several hundred members Runs seminars and training programmes for members Publishes ‘Learned Publishing’

Background: publisher and library developments The advent of the ‘Big Deal’ + The advent of consortial purchasing + Global budget restraint = A severe squeeze on the titles of the smaller publisher

ALPSP Collection: the concept Try to minimise the squeeze factor by creating a cross-publisher collection among ALPSP members Use a common licence Make content available through a single channel

ALPSP Collection: partner needed Recognition by ALPSP that they lacked the resources to change concept into reality Input from a senior publishing consultant to help them identify a probable partner Formal tender and interview process Swets Blackwell signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ALPSP in April

The role of Swets Blackwell Developing the collection by signing-up publishers Representing participating publishers in managing sales to consortia and other interested libraries Signing licences with consortia and other interested libraries on behalf of the participating publishers

The role of Swets Blackwell Providing access to consortia and other libraries via SwetsWise Online Content Collecting and processing orders from clients Apportioning the revenues and paying participating publishers A genuine one-stop-shop for both ALPSP and libraries

Where are we now? Web site established for information about the initiative ( Questionnaire sent to potential publishers inviting participation Visits to those publishers who have expressed interest (around 25) Finalising licences and agency agreement between Swets Blackwell and participating publishers

What next? Intention is to have final list of publishers participating (and the titles) by 31 July Depending on levels of participation, two additional subject packages will also be available (Medical and Life Sciences and Science and Technology) Aim is to present the packages and pricing at this year’s ICOLC and E-ICOLC meetings

Future options for agents? Swets Blackwell’s role with ALPSP is for three years If it is successful (for both libraries and publishers) does it suggest a future role for agents in bringing such cross-publisher collections together? Will it encourage greater acceptance and use of Model Licences? Will more publishers be willing to grant agents Power of Attorney to sign licences on their behalf?

Concluding points Like all initiatives of this kind, it will require major cooperation between the parties and significant trust For more information, please see the web site: or contact Laura Bonald