First, vendors have a lot of information gathering means and tools. Also, because of our many years of working with both client and publisher, and because of our efforts in making electronic access a reality, we are familiar with technical and legal implications of licenses, the requirements of the local library system, conditions and policies, consortia requirements and more. Along with changes in our role and changes in our customers, we also see a great deal of change among publishers. This adds a new competitor for the agent-aggregator. On the other side of the spectrum, we see publishers who want content online, but need assistance in getting it there.
Some publishers have a Web site and electronic content but no searching mechanism.
Others have no presence in cyberspace at all. Again, the agent is a valuable tool for publishers who want to publish electronically. The agent remains, and always will, an important partner for all publishers by remaining a reliable source of sales distribution. All of us are attempting to develop a sense of fair pricing and good deals while the market changes with the addition of new players, consortial deals, electronic supplements to print products, licensing agreements, ownership and archiving issues, publisher buyouts, format changes, and evolving technology. As these things evolve, flexibility and innovation will be key to the survival and success of us all.