Conservation publications available online

Robert B. Faltermeier <robert [at] faltermeier__biz> writes

>Free availability of conservation/restoration information is
>crucial. ...
>...
>... Wouldn't it be great to
>be in any part of the world, using the internet and having access to
>the relevant recently published conservation research for free?

Whilst I agree with the sentiment, we should also consider the
potential impact on the professional organisations who publish these
journals.  These organisations charge a reasonable but not
inconsiderable annual subscription for a range of services including
journals and go to considerable  expense to print them--much of
which is a fixed cost irrespective of print run.  If all articles
were available on line, would the number of members of these
organisations fall, without reducing costs significantly, and
leading to increased subscriptions? This could lead to a vicious
spiral of decline.

A wide range of professional publications in many fields, both
published commercially and by those professional organisations face
the same dilemma. Internet copying of fiction and other books is
also becoming an increasing issue. Perhaps Internet access could be
paid for by the reader by credit card  paid through some central
agency.

Simon


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:36
                Distributed: Wednesday, February 8, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-19-36-006
                                  ***