Publisher-library relationships in the digital environment

STM represents 250 publishing companies and learned societies, and recogniz es that the advent of digital networks affects authors, publishers, librari ans, and readers. Dialogue between Publishers and librarians is essential t o creating the sense of partnership and open-mindedness needed to meet the future needs of scholarship and research. Publishers and librarians have co mplementary roles and responsibilities, serving the same needs and facing s imilar challenges. The interests of publishers and librarians need to be re balanced in order to seize the benefits of digital information flow. Legisl ation provides a framework of copyright, privacy, competition, and consumer law that protects against misuse while facilitating the flow of informatio n from author to reader: If laws need to be amended, such changes should be made on the basis of the mutual agreement of all members of the community. There is much to be achieved without legislative change. Neither publisher s nor librarians should shy away from the issues that divide them, especial ly the scope of fair use and the exchange of copyright information between libraries. A more detailed analysis of the impact of copyright exemptions i s needed. The development of a Predictable licensing environment and the te sting of new business models requires co-operation between publishers and l ibrarians, and leads to better mutual understanding. STM seeks dialogue wit h libraries and with other members of the research and scholarly communitie s in order to meet the challenges, opportunities, and expectations created by the digital environment.