This web site provides information on the dynamic and challenging nature of book and journal acquisitions for UC Davis faculty, staff, health care professionals, and students. How the UC Davis University Library will be able to acquire and to sustain collections which will support the UC Davis research, teaching, and patient care efforts is dependent on the current and emerging economic models for scholarly communications and the impact of the California economy on the UC Davis budget. The Library strives to acquire and to provide access to quality information sources by using a number of strategies. At the same time, faculty should continue to examine the economic models their organizations and societies use to disseminate research results. Several universities, including the University of California, have taken action with campus faculty forums and direct communications with publishers and editorial boards. UC faculty were particularly effective in assisting the UC libraries to obtain favorable costs and access terms during the recent Elsevier contract negotiations.

Reasonably priced, equitable, and seamless access to scholarly information is a library goal. Meeting this goal is critical to the educational success and experience of UC Davis undergraduate and graduate students. It is essential to find a balance which allows faculty, staff, and students to use quality resources to further the world of knowledge and provides appropriate compensation for individuals, groups, and companies who disseminate the scholarly information.

I encourage you to contact your librarian subject specialists or Gail Yokote, Associate University Librarian for the Sciences with your comments and questions.

Marilyn J. Sharrow
University Librarian
(May 11, 2004)