<PAGE>
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AND MARKETING AGREEMENT


         This Strategic Alliance and Marketing Agreement (the "Agreement") is
made as of this 13 day of January, 2000 (the "Effective Date") by and between
ABSOLUTE BACKORDER SERVICE INC., a Delaware corporation ("Absolute") and ROWECOM
INC., a Delaware corporation ("RoweCom").

         WHEREAS, Absolute assists its customers in filling the gaps of library
serials collections by utilizing an extensive inventory, worldwide vendor
network and publishers' back stock and offering a complete start-to-finish
service, locating, ordering, receiving, inspecting, collating and shipping
backorder issues and collections;

         WHEREAS, RoweCom provides business-to-business electronic commerce
services to businesses and not-for-profit institutions interested in purchasing
subscriptions, books and other knowledge products and services of a professional
nature and, in connection therewith, RoweCom collaborates with such entities to
enhance existing intranet networks to enable such entities to purchase
subscriptions, books and other knowledge products and services via their
intranets;

         WHEREAS, RoweCom and Absolute agree to enter into Strategic Alliance
(as defined herein) with the goal of potentially integrating Absolute's services
and RoweCom's electronic commerce site(s), to enable business clients to make
purchases directly from RoweCom's site(s) using Absolutes services in an
integrated manner;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises contained herein and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
the parties hereby acknowledge, Absolute and RoweCom agree as follows:

1.       DEFINITIONS

1.1.     DEFINED TERMS.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms
have the respective meanings set forth below:

         ABSOLUTE SERVICES means services offered by Absolute including filling
the gaps of library serials collections, locating, ordering, receiving,
inspecting, collating and shipping backorder issues.

         ABSOLUTE SITE means (1) the web site and pages that a user's web
browser will generate as a result of requesting URLs in the "Absolute" Internet
domain, other than such pages intended for testing, development, or other
internal purposes; and (2) any web pages or sites that are replacements for such
web pages or site.

         CUSTOMER means any person or entity purchasing Knowledge Products or
Absolute Services as defined herein.


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                                      -2-



         GROSS MARGIN means the aggregate amount received by any party to this
Agreement , LESS: (i) payments to any third-party, (ii) credits, refunds and
allowances separately and actually credited to customers; (iii) offered and
taken trade and cash discounts, rebates, trade commissions and distribution fees
in amounts customary to the trade and as required to do business in the country
in which they are made; and (iv) sales, excise, use, turnover, inventory,
value-added and similar taxes and duties, not including net income tax. Gross
Margin shall also not include special outbound packing, transportation,
insurance, and handling charges, separately billed to the customer or prepaid.

         HTML means hypertext mark-up language.

         INITIAL ORDER means any new order for a Knowledge Product placed by
Customer.

         INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY means the respective patents, trade secrets,
copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs and other intellectual property of
the parties, including without limitation the RoweCom Trademarks, the Absolute
Trademarks, related sales material, RoweCom Content, and any such Intellectual
Property contained in the RoweCom Absolute kStore, RoweCom Site and/or the
Absolute Site.

         INTRANET means an internal local area network which enables a company
to share its resources with its employees in a manner similar to the Internet
with the restricted Internet access.

         KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTS means any magazines, books, journals, subscriptions,
serials, market research reports, or other publications, embodied in paper or
electronic media.

         LAUNCH DATE means the date on which the RoweCom Absolute kStoreis
substantially complete and functional in all material respects enabling the
purchase of Knowledge Products and Absolute Services by Customers.

         RENEWAL ORDER means the renewal of an Initial Order.

         ROWECOM ABSOLUTE KSTORE means a customized, co-branded Absolute/RoweCom
web site prepared by RoweCom. The RoweCom Absolute kStore will contain a catalog
of Knowledge Products order processing, and other features, and will have a URL
address determined by RoweCom.

         ROWECOM SITE means (1) the web site and pages that a user's web browser
will generate as a result of requesting URLs in the "RoweCom" Internet domain,
other than such pages intended for testing, development, or other internal
purposes; and (2) any web pages or sites that are replacements for such web
pages or site.

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                                      -3-



         STRATEGIC ALLIANCE means cooperation between the parties to this
Agreement by means of combining their respective resources, joint marketing and
sharing revenues as well as conducting other mutually beneficial business
activities.

         TERM means the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending upon
expiration or termination of this Agreement, as set forth in Section 7 hereto.

         TRADEMARK means names, trademarks, services marks, trade names, labels,
logos, designs or other designations and all goodwill associated therewith. The
RoweCom Trademarks are set forth in EXHIBIT A (hereby incorporated by
reference), as may be updated by RoweCom from time to time. The Absolute
Trademarks are set forth in EXHIBIT B (hereby incorporated by reference), as may
be updated by Absolute from time to time.

         URL means uniform resource locator.

1.2.     OTHER DEFINED TERMS.  Each of the following terms have the meanings
ascribed to it in the section set forth opposite such term:

         AGREEMENT                          Preamble
         AUDITED PART                       Section 4.3
         AUDITING PARTY                     Section 4.3
         CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION           Section 6.1
         DISCLOSING PARTY                   Section 6.1
         EFFECTIVE DATE                     Preamble
         INDEMNITOR                         Section 8.3(a)
         INDEMNITEES                        Section 8.3(a)
         INITIAL TERM                       Section 7.1
         LOSSES                             Section 8.3(a)
         QUARTERLY STATEMENT                Section 4.2

2.       LINKAGE

2.1. SITE LINKS TO THE ROWECOM ABSOLUTE KSTORE. Subject to the terms of this
Agreement but in no event later than within sixty days from the Effective Date,
Absolute will place a hypertext link to the RoweCom Absolute kStore. RoweCom
shall provide the textual and/or graphic content, when applicable, of such link
to Absolute as one or more computer-readable files in an Internet standard file
format (such files being, collectively, the "RoweCom Link File").

2.2. SITE LINKS TO THE ABSOLUTE SITE. Subject to the terms of this Agreement but
in no event later than within sixty days from the Effective Date, RoweCom will
place a hypertext link to the Absolute Site, with a URL address determined by
Absolute, from the RoweCom Site and from other kStore specialized web pages
designed by RoweCom for its Customers. The location, size and placement of each
link shall as determined by RoweCom in its sole discretion. Absolute will
provide the textual and/or graphic content,


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                                      -4-



when applicable, of these links to RoweCom as one or more computer-readable
files in an Internet standard file format (such files being, collectively, the
"Absolute Link File").

2.3.     EXPENSES.  Each party shall be responsible for its own expenses in
performing its obligations under this Agreement.


3.       OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES.

3.1.     ABSOLUTE OBLIGATIONS.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Absolute
shall:

         A.       Assign a designated person to prepare the Absolute Site to
                  process orders by Customers referred to by RoweCom, and to act
                  as a contact person for the daily operations of the RoweCom
                  Absolute kStore;

         B.       Provide one or more hypertext links from the Absolute Site to
                  the RoweCom Absolute kStore as set forth in Section 2.1 of
                  this Agreement;

         C.       List RoweCom as a preferred provider (as specified herein) of
                  Knowledge Products on the Absolute Site

         D.       Collect amounts from Customers, comply with all applicable
                  laws and regulations, fulfill orders placed by Customers,
                  process address changes and provide customer service including
                  but not limited to assigning a customer service representative
                  to provide customer support and respond to claims from
                  Customers.

         E.       Make payments to RoweCom, and provide Quarterly Statements, in
                  accordance with Section 4 hereof.

         The parties understand that under the current Absolute refunds and
cancellation policy all sales are considered as final. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary, Absolute undertakes to review in good faith each refund or
cancellation request furnished by or on behalf of RoweCom.

3.2. ROWECOM OBLIGATIONS. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, RoweCom shall:

         a.       Assign an account executive for RoweCom Absolute kStore
                  implementation, and to act as a contact person for the
                  daily operations of the RoweCom Absolute kStore;

         b.       Provide hypertext links from the RoweCom Site and from other
                  specialized kStore web pages designed by RoweCom for its
                  Customers to the Absolute Site as set forth in Section 2.2 of
                  this Agreement;


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         c.       List Absolute as a preferred provider (as specified herein) of
                  backorder services on the RoweCom Site;

         d.       Process Initial Orders and Renewal Orders received from
                  Customers, collect amounts from Customers, comply with all
                  applicable laws and regulations, fulfill Initial Orders and
                  Renewal Orders, process address changes for Customers, and
                  provide customer service on Initial Orders and Renewal Orders,
                  including but not limited to assigning a customer service
                  representative to provide customer support and respond to
                  claims from Customers;

         e.       Honor the policy regarding cancellations and refunds provided
                  by the publisher of the applicable Knowledge Product, provided
                  that RoweCom reserves its right to change its policy regarding
                  refunds and cancellations;

         f.        Perform title searches for additions to RoweCom Content and
                   use its best efforts to add to RoweCom Content a particular
                   Knowledge Product requested by Absolute or Customer or
                   potential Customer within seventy-two (72) hours of such
                   request. From time to time during the Term, RoweCom may, at
                   its sole discretion, make corrections, enhancements,
                   revisions, updates, upgrades and other changes to RoweCom
                   Content unrelated to any requests by Absolute or Customers.
                   In the event that (1) RoweCom cannot or will not add
                   requested materials to the RoweCom Content within the time
                   specified above, or (2) RoweCom ceases to offer a particular
                   Knowledge Product, Absolute shall be entitled to contract
                   directly with the publisher or any other provider of such
                   Knowledge Product for the right to offer such titles on or
                   through the Absolute Site, provided that, Absolute shall
                   provide at least seven (7) days advance written notice of
                   such intent to seek such Knowledge Product from a publisher
                   or other third party provider;

         g.       Provide technical support to Absolute in connection with the
                  installation, operation, and maintenance of the RoweCom
                  Absolute kStore; and

         h.        Make payments, and provide Quarterly Statements, to Absolute
                   in accordance with Section 4 hereof for all Initial Orders
                   and Renewal Orders.

3.3. PREFERRED PROVIDER STATUS. During the Term, either party undertakes at all
times to refer to or provide a hypertext link to the other party's Internet site
and to ensure that the name, URL and any other pertinent information of such
other party are displayed with equivalent prominence to a name, URL and any
other pertinent information of any third party.

Nothing herein is deemed to limit either party's ability to utilize other
vendors.


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3.4. SERVICE INTEGRATION. Within six months from the Effective Date the parties
agree to cooperate in order to determine whether integration of Absolute's
backorder services with RoweCom's kStore is commercially and technically
feasible.

3.5.     LICENSES.

         A.       LICENSES TO ABSOLUTE.  Subject to the terms set forth herein,
                  RoweCom hereby grants to Absolute:

                  (1)      a limited, world-wide, non-exclusive,
                           non-transferable, non-assignable (except as set forth
                           in Section 9.3), royalty-free right and license
                           (excluding the right to sublicense) to store, copy,
                           distribute, transmit, adapt, and display the RoweCom
                           Absolute kStore, RoweCom Content, and the RoweCom
                           Link File as delivered under Section 2.1.

                  (2)      a limited, world-wide, non-exclusive, non-assignable
                           (except as set forth in Section 9.3), royalty-free
                           right and license (excluding the right to sublicense)
                           to use the RoweCom Trademarks solely to promote and
                           market the RoweCom Absolute kStore and RoweCom
                           Content in accordance with the terms of this
                           Agreement. Upon reasonable notice from RoweCom,
                           Absolute shall permit RoweCom to visit all locations
                           on the Internet including Intranet and other internal
                           networks where Absolute delivers services using the
                           RoweCom Trademarks to ensure that (a) such services
                           are delivered in a manner consistent with the service
                           standards employed by RoweCom and (b) the RoweCom
                           Trademarks used in connection with such services are
                           in compliance with the specifications provided to
                           Absolute from time to time. It is understood that,
                           under certain circumstances, Absolute may need third
                           party consents to effectuate the visitation by
                           RoweCom. In such circumstances, Absolute will work
                           with RoweCom to facilitate the review of the usage of
                           the RoweCom Trademarks.

         b.        LICENSE TO ROWECOM. Subject to the terms set forth herein,
                   Absolute hereby grants to RoweCom a limited, world-wide,
                   non-exclusive, non-assignable (except as set forth in Section
                   9.3), royalty-free right and license (excluding the right to
                   sublicense) to use the Absolute Trademarks, and Absolute
                   Services solely in connection with RoweCom Absolute kStore
                   and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. RoweCom
                   agrees that, upon reasonable notice from Absolute, RoweCom
                   shall permit Absolute to visit all locations on the Internet
                   including corporate intranets and other internal networks
                   where RoweCom delivers services using the Absolute Trademarks
                   to ensure that (1) such services are delivered in a manner
                   consistent with the service standards employed by Absolute
                   and (2) the Absolute Trademarks used in connection with such
                   services are in

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                                      -7-



                   compliance with the specifications provided to RoweCom from
                   time to time. It is understood that, under certain
                   circumstances, RoweCom may need third party consents to
                   effectuate the visitation by Absolute. In such circumstances,
                   RoweCom will work with Absolute to facilitate the review of
                   the usage of the Absolute Trademarks.

         c.       RESTRICTION ON USE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Nothing in
                  this Section 3.4 shall allow either party to use the other
                  party's Confidential Information beyond the limitations on
                  such use set forth in Section 6 below.

3.6. PUBLICITY. Neither party shall originate or cause to be issued any
publicity or news release or otherwise make any public announcement or
statements, written or oral, with respect to this Agreement or the terms hereof
or the transactions contemplated hereby unless mutually agreed by the parties in
writing (not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), PROVIDED THAT, each party may
provide information to the extent required under securities laws or other
applicable laws or regulations, or governmental or court order. Neither party
shall use the name of the other party or any adaptation thereof or any of such
other party's Trademarks in any advertising, promotional or sales literature, or
in any other form of publicity without prior written consent (which consent will
not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) obtained from the other party in each
case. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a party shall not be in breach of this
Section 3.6 as a result of the incidental appearance of the other party's web
site, Content, Link File, or Trademarks in any public demonstration of such
party's web site or services generally.

3.7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Subject to the terms hereof, each party shall inform
the other party of any changes in or additions to the informing party's
Trademarks, and shall amend either EXHIBIT A or EXHIBIT B accordingly. Each
party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to correctly reference the other
party's Trademarks and other proprietary rights in any marketing, advertising,
promotional materials, sales literature or publicity permitted hereunder, as
required by law or as reasonably requested by the other party. Each party's
Trademarks and Confidential Information (as defined below) shall remain the sole
and exclusive property of such party and the other party shall have no rights
thereto, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, and the goodwill
associated therewith shall inure to the benefit of the owner of such Trademark.
Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement, the license to use the
Trademarks shall terminate. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to transfer ownership of
copyrightable material from one party to the other.

3.9. CONTACT PERSONS. Each party shall designate a Partner Relations Manager to
implement the obligations of each such party hereunder and to be available to
respond to inquiries during the normal business hours of such party.

3.10. SALES MATERIALS. Each party shall furnish at no cost to the other party
reasonable quantities of promotional materials, such as sales literature and
similar promotional material, relating to RoweCom Content, RoweCom Trademarks,
and the Absolute Site,

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                                      -8-



including such information as is necessary or appropriate for each party to
formulate any marketing materials used in connection with marketing activities
under this Agreement. Each party hereby grants to the other party a license
during the Term to use such promotional materials solely for purposes of
promoting the granting party, provided that, neither party shall edit, modify or
otherwise alter the form or content of such promotional materials.

4.       PAYMENTS AND AUDITS

4.1.     PAYMENTS.

         a.       PAYMENTS BY ROWECOM. Subject to the terms of this Agreement,
                  RoweCom shall pay to Absolute, no later than thirty (30)
                  business days after the end of every calendar quarter, an
                  amount equal to five (5%) of the Gross Margin on all Initial
                  Orders of Knowledge Products placed by Absolute through
                  Absolute RoweCom kStrore during that quarter.

         b.       PAYMENTS BY ABSOLUTE. Subject to the terms of this Agreement,
                  Absolute shall pay to RoweCom, no later than thirty (30) days
                  after the end of each calendar quarter, an amount equal to
                  forty percent (40%) of the Gross Margin received by Absolute
                  during that quarter on all orders for Absolute Services on
                  which RoweCom provided direct assistance including but not
                  limited to by means of linking and referring to Absolute Site,
                  by phone and by e-mail. For orders of a single back issue
                  RoweCom will receive a commission equal to 5% of the Gross
                  Margin.

4.2. QUARTERLY STATEMENTS. Within fifteen (15) days after the end of each
calendar quarter after the Effective Date and for as long as any amounts are due
in accordance with this Section 4, each party shall submit to the other party a
detailed statement ("QUARTERLY STATEMENT") that sets forth, the Gross Margin
received by such party during the relevant quarter , and the calculation of the
amounts payable to such party pursuant to Section 4.1.

4.3. AUDITS. During the Term of this Agreement and for ninety (90) days
thereafter, each party (for purposes of this Section 4.3 only, the "AUDITING
PARTY") shall have the right, not more than once in any twelve (12)-month
period, to have the relevant books and records of the other party (the "AUDITED
PARTY") for the other party's immediately preceding financial year audited by an
independent certified public accountant chosen by the Auditing Party, for the
sole purpose of ascertaining the accuracy of the Audited Party's reports under
this Agreement. Each party shall maintain accurate books and records relating
to such matters. Such audits shall be scheduled within thirty (30) days
following delivery of a notice by the Auditing Party to the Audited Party, and
conducted during normal business hours, in a manner that does not unreasonably
interfere with the Audited Party's normal business activities. The Auditing
Party shall require the auditor to execute a confidentiality agreement,
acceptable to the Audited Party, which shall prohibit the auditor from
disclosing any information ascertained from the audit to any

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                                      -9-



party, including the Auditing Party, for any purpose other than to confirm the
accuracy of the Audited Party's reports or to advise the Auditing Party of any
discrepancies discovered through the audit. In the event that any audit
determines that the reported payments paid to the Auditing Party under this
Agreement was less than the amount due to the Auditing Party, the Audited Party
shall promptly pay the Auditing Party the amount of such underpayment and all
accrued interest thereon from the date that such payment was due. In addition,
if any audit determines that the reported payments paid to the Auditing Party
under this Agreement was less than ninety percent (90%) of the actual amount due
to the Auditing Party for the period in question, the actual out-of-pocket cost
of such audit shall be borne by the Audited Party; otherwise, the cost of the
audit shall be borne by the Auditing Party.

4.4. TAXES. All taxes and charges, other than income taxes, that may be imposed
by any governmental taxing authority on any sales pursuant to this Agreement
shall be paid by the party assessed such taxes or charges.

5.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.1. AUTHORIZATION, ETC. Each party hereby represents and warrants to the other
that: (a) it has the requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and
perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
(b) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such
party, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such party and is
enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency or similar laws of general applicability governing the enforcement of
the rights of creditors or by the general principles of equity (regardless of
whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity); and (c) to the best of
its knowledge, it has provided the other party with the information known to it
that materially affects the other party's ability to perform the other party's
obligations under this Agreement.

5.2. NON-INFRINGEMENT. Each party hereby represents and warrants that (i) the
provision by such party of Intellectual Property to the other party hereunder
does not infringe upon or violate the intellectual property rights or any other
rights of any third party or violate any applicable law or regulation; (ii)
neither party has been charged or threatened with infringement or violation of
any intellectual property right or any other rights of any person or entity in
connection with the Intellectual Property provided by such party to the other
party hereunder; (iii) the Intellectual Property and other information provided
by each party (including without limitation, the RoweCom Content, the RoweCom
Absolute kStore, the RoweCom Link File, the Absolute Link File, and the RoweCom
Trademarks) to the other party hereunder will not contain any defects, viruses,
worms, date bombs, time bombs, or other code that is designed to damage,
interrupt, or interfere with any software or data of the other party; and (iv)
the RoweCom Absolute kStore and services provided to Customers therewith shall
be conducted in a professional, timely and diligent manner, and shall comply
with all applicable laws and regulations of RoweCom Absolute kStore.


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5.3. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. Each party represents and warrants to the other party
that: (a) it is not bound by any agreement or obligation (and will not enter
into any agreement or obligation) that could materially interfere with the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement; and (b) no approval,
authorization or consent of any governmental or regulatory authority is required
to be obtained or made by it in order for it to enter into and perform its
obligations under this Agreement.

5.4. DISCLAIMER. EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 5, EACH
PARTY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
CONTEMPLATED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE.

6.       CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. "Confidential Information" means all financial,
business, marketing, operations, technical, and economic information, whether
tangible or intangible, that is disclosed by either party (the "Disclosing
Party") or any of Disclosing Party's suppliers, employees, contractors or
customers to the other party (the "Recipient"), if such information is disclosed
(i) in writing or by way of any other media that is marked as "confidential" or
"proprietary" information; (ii) orally or visually, provided that, such oral or
visual disclosure is followed by written confirmation by the Disclosing Party
within three (3) business days of such disclosure; provided that (A)
Confidential Information excludes any information or portion thereof that (1)
was known to the Recipient before receipt thereof under this Agreement; (2) is
disclosed to the Recipient by a third person who has a right to make such
disclosure without any obligation of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party;
(3) is or becomes generally known in the trade or to the public without
violation of this Agreement by the Recipient; (4) is independently developed by
the Recipient or Recipient's employees, agents, or contractors to whom the
Disclosing Party's information was not disclosed; or (5) is approved in writing
by the Disclosing Party for release; and (B) only the specific information that
meets the exclusions shall be excluded, and not any other information that
happens to appear in proximity to such excluded portions (for example, a portion
of a document may be excluded without affecting the confidential nature of those
portions that do not themselves qualify for exclusion); and (C) Confidential
Information includes summaries and other materials prepared by or on behalf of a
Recipient that restate, summarize or otherwise use any Confidential Information
of a Disclosing Party except to the extent that such summaries and other
materials qualify for exclusion under this Section.

6.2. NONDISCLOSURE AND LIMITATIONS ON USE. Each Recipient agrees (a) to keep
secret and maintain the Confidential Information as confidential and to hold the
Confidential Information in trust for the exclusive benefit of the Disclosing
Party; (b) to use or copy the Confidential Information solely to perform its
obligations under this Agreement; (c) to segregate the Confidential Information
from the Recipient's other information and



<PAGE>
                                      -11-


from that of third parties; (d) not to copy the Confidential Information unless
necessary to perform services under this Agreement; (e) to notify promptly the
Disclosing Party upon learning about any court order or other legal requirement
that purports to compel disclosure of any Confidential Information and to
cooperate with the Disclosing Party in the exercise of the Disclosing Party's
right to protect the confidentiality of the Confidential Information before any
tribunal or governmental agency; (f) not to disclose the Confidential
Information to any person or entity not a party to this Agreement other than
such of Recipient's contractors, agents or employees who (i) have a need to know
the Confidential Information for a purpose permitted hereunder; and (ii) are
apprised of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information; and (g)
subject to Section 7.3b, to return promptly to the Disclosing Party or to
destroy, at the option of the Disclosing Party and at any time upon the
Disclosing Party's request, any and all materials containing Confidential
Information. Each party shall (1) promptly notify the other party of any actual
or suspected unauthorized use or disclosure of the other party's Confidential
Information for a period of two years from the date of termination of this
Agreement of which it has knowledge and will cooperate in the investigation of
such unauthorized use or disclosure; (2) be liable for breaches of
confidentiality by its employees, contractors or agents; and (3) include the
other party's reasonable proprietary rights notices on any media or products
embodying the other party's Confidential Information, including partial copies
thereof. Nothing contained herein shall prevent a Recipient from disclosing the
Disclosing Party's Confidential Information to any tribunal or governmental
agency, so long as the notice in this Section 6.2 is promptly given; PROVIDED
THAT, such disclosure shall not alter the status of such information hereunder
for all other purposes as Confidential Information unless and until such
information is actually made public by the tribunal or agency.

7.       TERM AND TERMINATION

7.1. TERM. This Agreement shall commence upon the Effective Date and, subject to
early termination pursuant to Section 7.2, shall continue in effect until the
thirdanniversary of the Launch Date (the "Initial Term") and shall be
automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods after the expiration
of the Initial Term unless either party provides the other party with written
notice of its intent not to renew this Agreement at least ninety (90) days prior
to the expiration of the then current term.

7.2.     TERMINATION.

         a.       Either party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30)
                  days' written notice to the other party if the other party
                  breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement
                  and such breach remains uncured for a period of 30 days after
                  receipt of such notice. Any notice given pursuant to this
                  Section 7.2 must set forth with specificity the alleged
                  material obligations breached by the other party.

         b.       Either party may terminate this Agreement pursuant to
                  Section 9.2.

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                                      -12-



         c.       This Agreement shall terminate automatically, with no further
                  action by either party, if (i) a receiver is appointed for
                  either party or its property, (ii) either party makes an
                  assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (iii) any
                  proceedings are commenced by, for or against either party
                  under any bankruptcy, insolvency or debtor's relief law for
                  the purpose of seeking a reorganization of such party's debts,
                  and such proceeding is not dismissed within ninety (90)
                  calendar days of its commencement, or (iv) either party is
                  liquidated or dissolved.

7.3.     EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

         a.       THEN-CURRENT ORDERS. Upon termination of this Agreement, the
                  provisions of Section 2, 3.1, and 3.2 regarding the
                  obligations of each party shall terminate, PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
                  that (a) the parties will continue to perform all obligations
                  relating to pending Initial Orders or Renewal Orders in
                  accordance with a schedule to be mutually agreed upon by the
                  parties no later than thirty (30) days after the date of
                  termination, and (b) RoweCom shall provide ongoing customer
                  service to Customers at no less a level of service than it
                  provides to other customers.

         b.       CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Promptly after all obligations to
                  existing customers are performed pursuant to clause (a)
                  hereof, each party shall return to the other party or certify
                  in writing to the other party that it has destroyed all
                  documents and other tangible items it or its employees or
                  agents have received from the Disclosing Party which
                  constitute Confidential Information of the other party;
                  provided, however, that for twelve (12) months following
                  termination of this Agreement RoweCom may retain information
                  regarding Customers, solely for the purposes of fulfilling
                  RoweCom's customer support obligations set forth herein.

         c.       OTHER OBLIGATIONS. The provisions of Sections 4.1 (Payments)
                  and 4.2 (Quarterly Statements) (solely with respect to payment
                  obligations accrued prior to termination); Section 4.3 (Audit
                  Rights), Section 5 (Representations and Warranties), Section 6
                  (Confidentiality), Section 7 (Termination), Section 8 (Risk
                  Allocation) and Section 9 (Miscellaneous) shall survive any
                  expiration or termination of this Agreement.

7.4. TERMINATION/NONRENEWAL RIGHTS. It is expressly understood and agreed that
the rights of termination and nonrenewal set forth in this Section 7 are final,
and that the parties have considered the possibility of such termination or
nonrenewal and the possibility of loss and damage resulting therefrom, in making
expenditures pursuant to the performance of this Agreement. It is the express
intent and agreement of the parties that neither shall be liable to the other
for damages or otherwise solely by reason of the termination of this Agreement
in accordance with Section 7.1 or 7.2 above. The parties expressly agree that
the notice periods in this Agreement are reasonable under the contemplated
circumstances.


<PAGE>
                                      -13-

8. RISK ALLOCATION

8.1. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. EXCEPT IN RESPECT OF THE PARTIES' RESPECTIVE
OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 6 (CONFIDENTIALITY) AND CLAIMS ARISING UNDER SECTION
8.3 OF THIS AGREEMENT (INDEMNIFICATION), IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SIMILAR
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LOST PROFITS OR LOST
REVENUES), WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY IS PREDICATED ON CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY,
STATUTE, REGULATION, OR ANY OTHER THEORY. EACH PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE
OTHER PARTY FOR ANY DIRECT DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ITS PERFORMANCE
OR FAILURE TO PERFORM UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, PROVIDED THAT THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF
EITHER PARTY TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR DIRECT DAMAGES SHALL, EXCEPT IN RESPECT OF
THE PARTIES' RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 6 (CONFIDENTIALITY) AND CLAIMS
ARISING UNDER SECTION 8.3 OF THIS AGREEMENT (INDEMNIFICATION), BE LIMITED IN THE
AGGREGATE TO THE AMOUNT PAID AND/OR PAYABLE BY ROWECOM TO ABSOLUTE UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT AT THE TIME SUCH LIABILITY IS FINALLY DETERMINED, WHICHEVER IS
GREATER.

8.2. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The parties agree that the remedy at law for any breach
of the provisions of Sections 3.4, 5, and/or 6 of this Agreement shall be
inadequate and the non-breaching party shall be entitled to injunctive relief in
addition to any other remedies that may be available to the non-breaching party.

8.3.     INDEMNIFICATION.

         a.       OBLIGATION. Subject to the provisions of Section 8.3(b), each
                  party (each an "Indemnitor") hereby agrees to indemnify,
                  defend and hold the other party and its affiliates, directors,
                  officers, employees, contractors and agents (each an
                  "Indemnitee") harmless from and against any third party claim,
                  suit, demand, liability, loss or expense (including reasonable
                  attorney fees) (collectively, "Losses") arising out of or
                  relating to the Indemnitor's breach of its obligations,
                  representations and warranties under this Agreement.

         b.       PROCEDURE. To receive the benefit of the foregoing
                  indemnities, the Indemnitee must promptly notify the
                  Indemnitor in writing of a claim or suit and provide
                  reasonable cooperation (at the Indemnitor's expense) and
                  tender to the Indemnitor full authority to defend or settle
                  the claim or suit, PROVIDED, that the Indemnitor may not
                  settle such claim or suit without the consent of the
                  Indemnitee, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
                  Neither party has any obligation to indemnify the other party
                  in connection with any settlement made without the
                  Indemnitor's written consent.


<PAGE>
                                      -14-



9.       MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. For all purposes of this Agreement, each party
shall be and act as an independent contractor or and not as a partner, joint
venturer, employee or agent of the other. No franchise is created hereby.
Neither party shall have any express or implied right or authority to assume or
create any obligations on behalf of or in the name of the other party or to bind
the other party to any other contract, agreement or undertaking with any third
party except as specifically provided for herein. The parties' use of the term
"partner" or its equivalent is for marketing purposes only, and shall have no
effect on the legal relationship between the parties hereto.

9.2. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party shall be liable or responsible in any manner
for failure or delay in performance of any obligation under this Agreement when
such failure or delay is due to the result, in whole or in substantial part, to
any cause beyond the reasonable control of the party whose performance is
delayed or rendered impossible thereby if reasonable steps are taken to resolve
the reason for such failure or delay and the reason for such failure or delay is
promptly transmitted to the other party. If the delay exceeds ninety (90) days
from the initial occurrence each party shall have the right to terminate this
agreement upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party.

9.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their
successors and assigns. Neither party may assign, transfer, or sublicense its
rights or obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent of the
other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this
agreement, (a) RoweCom shall have the right to assign this agreement and any
rights hereunder, without Absolute's consent, (i) in connection with any merger,
consolidation, any sale of all or substantially all of RoweCom's assets or any
other transaction in which more than fifty percent (50%) of RoweCom's voting
securities are transferred, or (ii) to any subsidiary or affiliate of RoweCom
(provided that RoweCom shall provide written notice to Absolute identifying such
subsidiary or affiliate); and (b) Absolute shall have the right to assign this
agreement and any rights hereunder, without RoweCom's consent, (i) in connection
with any merger, consolidation, any sale of all or substantially all of
Absolute's assets or any other transaction in which more than fifty percent
(50%) of Absolute's voting securities are transferred, or (ii) to any subsidiary
or affiliate of Absolute (provided that Absolute shall provide written notice to
RoweCom identifying such subsidiary or affiliate).

Neither party may assign this Agreement to a direct competitor of the other
party as listed in the Exhibit C hereto.

9.4. NOTICES. Any notices, waivers and other communications required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be fully given
when delivered by hand or dispatched (with reasonable evidence of receipt) by
confirmed facsimile transmission, or the next business day after being
dispatched by nationally-recognized overnight courier or mail service, addressed
to the party to whom the notice is intended to


<PAGE>
                                      -15-


be given at the following or such other address as either party may designate by
like notice :

RoweCom:          RoweCom, Inc.
                  15 Southwest Park
                  Westwood, MA
                  02090
                  Phone (617) 497-5800
                  Fax (617) 497-6825
                  Attn. Mr. Robert Rea, Business Development Manager

Absolute:         Absolute Backorder Service, Inc.
                  P.O. Box 336 / 36 Edwards Rd.
                  Foxborough, MA 02035
                  Phone (508) 543-1950
                  Fax   (508) 543-2878
                   E-MAIL jaeger@absolute-inc.com
                  Attn. Mr. Glenn Jaeger, President


9.5. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without
regard for any choice or conflict of law rule or principle that would result in
the application of the substantive law of any other jurisdiction. Any dispute
relating to or arising out of this Agreement shall be resolved by a federal or
state court located in the Suffolk County in Boston, and each party hereby
submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court and explicitly waives any
venue and inconvenient forum objections thereto. The prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover its costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees) from the other party.

9.6. SEVERABILITY. If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or
unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such term
or provisions to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is
held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected, and each term and provision
of this Agreement shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted
by law.

9.7. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. No person(s) not a party to this Agreement is
an intended beneficiary of this Agreement, and no person(s) not a party to this
Agreement shall have any right to enforce any term of this Agreement.

9.8. WAIVER. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived
unless such waiver is in writing signed by the waiving party. No failure by any
party to insist upon the strict performance of any provision of this Agreement,
or to exercise any right to remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall
constitute a waiver of any other

<PAGE>
                                      -16-



provision of this Agreement or a waiver of such provision with respect to any
subsequent breach, unless expressly provided in writing.

9.9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between
the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or
contemporaneous oral or written agreements on the same subject matter.

9.10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same agreement.

9.11. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each of the party's covenants and agrees that,
subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and without any
additional consideration, it will execute and deliver any further legal
instruments and perform any acts which are or may become reasonably necessary to
effectuate the purposes of this Agreement.

9.12. CAPTIONS. Titles and headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

9.13. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by a document
duly executed on behalf of each Party.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representative as of the date first written
above.


ABSOLUTE BACKORDER SERVICE INC.                 ROWECOM INC.

By:  /S/ GLENN JAEGER                           By:  /S/ JEFFREY SANDS

Name:_Glenn Jaeger                              Name: Jeffrey Sands

Title: President                                Title:VP of Business Development


<PAGE>
                                      -17-





                                    EXHIBIT A


                               ROWECOM TRADEMARKS





<PAGE>
                                      -18-



                                    EXHIBIT B


                               ABSOLUTE TRADEMARKS

[NONE AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE]





<PAGE>
                                      -19-



                                    EXHIBIT C

ROWECOM DIRECT COMPETITORS:


-        Amazon.com
-        barnesandnoble.com, llc.
-        Blackwell Ltd.
-        The Electronic Newsstand, Inc.
-        Ebsco Industries, Inc.
-        FatBrain.com, Inc.
-        NewSub Services, Inc.
-        W.T. Cox
-        Wholly-owned subsidiaries of each of the above


ABSOLUTE DIRECT COMPETITORS


-        Alfred Jaeger, Inc.
-        John T Zubal, Inc./USBE
-        Swets Backsets
-        Periodical Services Company (PSC)