Technology corner: The revolt against journal publishers

摘要

In universities, research labs and the libraries that support their work, a revolt against current journal publishing prices and policies is rapidly growing. Underlying the revolt are the new capabilities offered by computer networks, particularly the Internet, to make information easily and widely available. Research work can be posted, reviews can be processed and users can view the results," all online and at very low cost. Framed by these generous online capabilities, the spectacle of libraries unable to pay for needed journals has become unbearable. Faculty, researchers and others who depend on journals for information and professional prestige are coming to feel that their needs are not being met by current journal publishing practices. Universities have begun to realize that they no longer have to accept the terms offered by journal publishers.