Original_To:  JNET%"BUSLIB-L@IDBSU"
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.buslib-l
Date:         Sun, 24 Jan 1993 17:46:00 CDT
              <BUSLIB-L@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         ALLEN@WUOLIN.BITNET
Subject:      Working Papers Clearinghouse

                  I N T E R O F F I C E   M E M O R A N D U M

                                        Date:     22-Jan-1993 10:24am GMT
                                        From:     RON ALLEN
                                                  ALLEN
                                        Dept:     Library
                                        Tel No:   935-6739

TO:  Remote Addressee                     ( _jnet%"BUSLIB-L@IDBSU" )


Subject: Working Papers Clearinghouse

     I would like to survey this group on whether there is an interest in
     having a clearinghouse for Working Papers in Business (it is a
     variation on what was recently sent regarding a clearinghouse at
     Warwick for papers in economics).  It would have the following
     functions:

                *  ACQUISITION/PRODUCTION - The Olin School of Business at
     Washington University in St. Louis would collect working papers from
     the major business schools and produce microfiche copies of them.  We
     would also produce a cumulative index to the set (author, title,
     institution and perhaps a keyword index).

                *  DISTRIBUTION/PROMOTION - The microfiche set would be
     available for sale (the price would depend on the number of
     institutions submitting working papers and the total number of
     papers).  For this survey, assume that we would begin with about 30
     institutions and over time expand to 50 or more with a price range of
     $500-$900/year).  Photocopies of individual working papers would be
     available to individuals and institutions (the price would be in the
     $5 -$9/range per working paper).  Faculty and other researchers would
     be made aware of the clearinghouse through publications such as
     Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics published by Cambridge
     University Press which may expand to include working papers in
     business.  Other means such as news items and articles in library and
     academic business publications would be utilized as well.  For this
     survey, assume that all copyright clearances have been obtained.

     You may send your responses directly to me and I will provide a
     cumulated tally and feedback for readers of this list.  This survey
     is directed to college and university business librarians since I
     assume that most public and corporate business librarians have no
     interest in this area.

     You may respond at length or simply indicate one of the following:

                1)  Am interested in seeing such a clearinghouse developed
                    and anticipate purchasing the microfiche set.

                2)  The clearinghouse sounds like a good idea but I do not
                    anticipate purchasing the microfiche set.  We may use
                    the clearinghouse to acquire specific working papers.

                3)  Do not feel the clearinghouse as described would be of
                    value to our institution and do not anticipate making
                    any use of it.

     I would appreciate any other comments you have regarding the value of
     such a clearinghouse.

     A final note.  The idea of having working papers distributed on
     microfiche and photocopies is based on practicality.  The ideal would
     be to have the working papers online in full text but my feeling is
     that it is not currently feasible.  Any modifications which you feel
     would improve the concept I have described would be greatly
     appreciated.

     Thanks for your help.

     Bitnet: ALLEN@WUOLIN  or Internet: ALLEN@SIMON.WUSTL.EDU
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU