Scholarly journals play an essential role in reporting empirical and theoretical work. In recent years they have become more predominantly available in electronic versions and although journals in this format offer both researchers and libraries many advantages, they do present challenges not encountered in the traditional print environment. One of these challenges is the continued role of the library in ensuring the preservation and long-term access to these important resources. Research libraries agree that they do not want to relinquish their role to publishers and other third-parties and as a result coordinated solutions are being put forward by the library industry. This research reviews the importance of preservation and long-term access to scholarly journals and the role of the library in achieving this goal. The issues surrounding this challenge in the electronic environment are studied as well as the new role of the library. Both licensing and technical obstacles are reviewed as well as the role and potential responsibilities of publishers, libraries and other third-parties. Finally, current initiatives specifically focused on dealing with the issues of preservation and long-term access to electronic scholarly journals are discussed. These initiatives include LOCKSS and CLOCKSS, as well as Portico and the e-Depot at the Koninklijke Bibliotheek in The Netherlands. The outcome of this work provides both a report on the topic as well as options for organisations to consider and potentially support in dealing with the issues presented.
Source: School of Business Information Technology, RMIT Business, RMIT University (via ALIA e-prints)
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