Electronic research databases provider EBSCO Information Services Europe has released a series of five papers reporting the results of a survey on the future of the academic information supply chain.
The papers reportedly 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.
Budgetary pressures are seen to 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 include "The Future Role of the Academic Library", "Access to Content: Now and in the Future", "The Impact of Open Access" "The Role of Subscription Agents" and
"Future Forces for Change".
In conducting this survey, EBSCO and Red Sage Consulting sought opinions from 141 individuals involved in the academic publishing industry. 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.
EBSCO provides print and online resource management tools and related services. Red Sage Consulting, owned by Sarah Durrant, provides research, business development, coaching, mentoring and training services.
