While a one-time charge followed the book pricing model, the library favored one that would allow it to recover some of the continuous expenses associated with maintaining an electronic product. After considerable discussion, the subscription pricing with annual renewals was adopted. This would provide a steady stream of income to support maintenance and the possible addition of new content. Additionally, the subscription pricing offered an opportunity to cancel the agreement with appropriate notice to all parties. The one-time book pricing model implied perpetual access, a condition that the library could not accept.
Authentication is accomplished in two ways, depending upon the type of subscription selected.
For individual access passwords are issued. Institutional accounts are based upon the establishment of an IP subnet address. A modified Apache HTTP server supports both types of authentication. The ability to search on each word in the text offers much broader access to the content than through the index of the paper product. In essence, the linkages offer readers immediate access to the same primary source material used by the authors in writing the book.