Each year, EBSCO releases its Serials Price Projections, based on surveys of a wide range of publishers and reviews of historical serials pricing data to assist information professionals as they make budgeting decisions for the upcoming renewals season.
For 2014, the overall effective publisher price increases for academic and academic/medical libraries are expected to be in the range of 6 to 8 percent (before currency impact).
The projected mid-single digit serial price increases indicate that the ongoing initiatives and debates in the academic publishing world are having very little impact on fundamental business models and pricing strategies. Librarians and smaller publishers will continue to face difficult choices as the renewal of individual journal titles and other non-bundled content is balanced with the ongoing obligations of e-journal package or “Big Deal” content.
Even with current models, there could be positive changes for libraries due to the improving economy in the United States. A recent survey by the Association of Research Libraries showed that the percentage of respondents reporting collection budget increases of 3 percent or more grew from 20 percent in 2012 to 42 percent in 2013.
While most international publishers set their prices in the major currencies, such as U.S. dollars for the U.S. market, currency exchange fluctuations can still impact prices. EBSCO recommends customers add an additional 2 to 4 percent to the estimated price increases when budgeting to protect themselves from a possible weakening of the currency in which they are invoiced between now and the time subscription payments are made. EBSCO will update the projection information if there are developments in world currency exchange rates.
While based upon careful analysis, EBSCO recommends caution when using these projections, as they rely on historical trends and current estimates. To read EBSCO’s 2014 Serials Price Projection Report in its entirety and view the Five Year Journal Price Increase History, visit www.ebsco.com.
