Beware publishers bearing gifts:
Why the "big deal" is a bad deal for universities

At first sight the "big (or all-you-can-eat) deal" seems excellent value for libraries and their users, and represents the shining possibilities of the electronic age. A more thorough-going evaluation, however, exposes dangers for universities, their funders and publishers. This paper examines the big deal in the light of fundamental market conditions and suggests alternative models for procuring electronic resources.

The roles and strengths of the players in the information supply chain are briefly defined. Traditional hard-copy procurement and the (often overlooked) role of and benefits secured by purchasing consortia are examined.

The fundamentals of procuring electronic resources and prevalent purchasing models are discussed. The advantages and dangers of the big deal are laid out and alternative models suggested.

David Ball
Associate Head of Academic Services (University Librarian)
Bournemouth University
Weymouth House Library, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH 12 5BB
Telephone (+44 1202) 01202 595044
Fax (+44 1202) 01202 595475
Email: dball@bournemouth.ac.uk