Author:

Abstract

Based on a paper presented at the UKSG seminar 'Scientific Publications: Free for all?', The Geological Society, London, Tuesday 23 November 2004

The Select Committee report is the first time that the issue of scientific publication has been considered in this way in the United Kingdom. Although both the Competition Commission and the Office of Fair Trading have considered the issues of scientific journal publishing, the inquiry brought the issues into a more public forum. This paper reviews the report in terms of how it has been received within the academic library community and how its recommendations, if implemented, might change the role of academic libraries. It also examines the Government's response to the report along with other responses to date, and reaction to the report elsewhere in the world. Finally, it considers how the debate and the practice may develop in the future.