Moreover, citation indexes provide indicators of a journal's impact within its field, a potential boost to subscription sales. In considering an alternative venue for your journal, explore whether the publisher is able to submit your journal in a timely manner for indexing. Many libraries now acquire journal subscriptions, especially access to electronic versions, through consortia which represent and subscribe on behalf of their members. Consortial sales often require complicated negotiations between the publisher and each consortium. In your evaluation, consider whether the publishers view working with consortia as a standard way to do business.
Most readers access journals through libraries, government agencies, and corporations.
Institutional subscription prices are typically much higher than individual subscription prices. Prices charged to institutional subscribers must be affordable, however. Consider whether the publishers you are evaluating have a successful track record of working with institutional subscribers. Establish up front that you will play a major role in establishing institutional subscription prices. Keeping institutional prices reasonable is one of the best ways of assuring that your journal is widely disseminated throughout your community.