News Article: The Future of the Academic Information Supply Chain

"EBSCO Information Services Europe is pleased to announce the release of a series of five papers reporting the results of a survey on the future of the academic information supply chain.  The papers cover diverse subjects and reveal some surprising insights into possible future roles for libraries, as well as others in the academic information supply chain. Respondents to the survey share opinions on new and emerging technologies; changing research practices; trends in user behaviour/expectations; and views on a variety of access and business models. Unsurprisingly, budgetary pressures have a significant impact across all areas of the supply chain, but some respondents feel this can be used to drive innovation.  Other future forces for change include Open Access; mobile technology; and the importance of China, India, and other emerging economies in shaping publishers’ activities.   The papers, listed below, are available on request at www.ebsco.com/papers2012:   [1] The Future Role of the Academic Library [2] Access to Content:  Now and in the Future [3] The Impact of Open Access [4] The Role of Subscription Agents [5] Future Forces for Change ... In conducting this survey, EBSCO and Red Sage Consulting sought opinions from 141 individuals involved in the complex and dynamic industry of academic publishing. A total of 98 librarians, consortia representatives, publishers, agents/intermediaries, and others in the industry shared their views on the future of the academic information supply chain..."