THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE PUBLICATION OF LITERATURE IN THE MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

"During the last few years it has become more and more apparent that we are facing a crisis in regard to the conditions which exist in the publication of medical and biological literature. Evidence of this has appeared in the reaction of scientific societies, of individual scientists, of librarians, and of library associations. Numerous publications have appeared analyzing various phases of the situation and proposing a variety of remedies. Criticisms have been heard from many sources indicating dissatisfaction with existing conditions. The tremendous number of journals being published antthe continued increase in the cost of yearly subscriptions have made it increasingly difficult for libraries to maintain adequate subscription lists. At the same time libraries have been facing a marked decrease in budgets, gifts and other forms of financial support."