A COMPARISON OF PRICING STRATEGIES FOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL DATABASES ON CDROM AND EQUIVALENT PRINTED PRODUCTS

Library managers are often concerned to assess the most cost effective means of access to bibliographic data. This article considers compara tive prices for bibliographic data on CDROM and in print form. In many instances, CDROM offers added value and easier access to data, but th e relative cost is important. Library managers need not only to compar e prices but to consider cost effectiveness. Differences between the n ature of bibliographic data on CDROM and in a printed bibliography or abstracting and indexing service, and the relative complexities of pri cing structures for bibliographic data in both CDROM and print form, b oth hinder comparisons. Varying policies on network pricing are an add ed complication when assessing a CDROM service. Some standardisation o f aspects of the licensing arrangements would be welcome.