The rights libraries have in the printed environment are being challenged by the publishers. A possible scenario is the provision of direct end-user access to this information, at prices that go far beyond the current Inter Library Loan prices. This could endanger the free flow of information, scientific communication, and public education. Preamble Libraries recognize the role of publishers in printed and electronic publishing, and expect in their turn that the role of the libraries will be recognized by the publishers. The use of electronic information can reduce publication costs, facilitate distribution, and improve scientific communication.
Libraries are willing to cooperate with publishers to develop electronic publishing.
Cooperation between libraries and publishers should be encouraged in order to stimulate optimal dissemination of scientific information in the electronic age and to develop acceptable conditions and arrangements for electronic publishing with long-term application. I. General principles 1. The members of the consortia will only enter into new bilateral or multilateral agreements with publishers in line with these principles. For that purpose, they are prepared to make license agreements with publishers. Priority will be given to the digital format acquisition of those resources which offer economies of scale by benefiting the largest number of faculty and students.