Subject: Summary: Access from publisher
Anke de Looper (Anke.DeLooper@benjamins.nl)
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 16:07:23 +0200
Message-Id: <3.0.32.19990907154447.006b5994@pop3.NL.net> Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 16:07:23 +0200 To: ARL-EJOURNAL@arl.org From: Anke de Looper <Anke.DeLooper@benjamins.nl> Subject: Summary: Access from publisher
First of all, thanks to the numerous readers of this list who have
replied to my questions about access control through IP vs. password
and about local storage vs. storage at the publisher's end (Anke de
Looper, 30 August).
Based upon your messages it is very clear that generalizations -- as
always -- are dangerous. The general impression summarized below is
not shared by all respondents.
Although most respondents acknowledged the fact that IP-contolled
access does have some drawbacks, the majority prefers it over
password-controlled access. The problem with IP-controlled access
for patrons off-site is often solved by having a proxy server, where
patrons can log-in using their library user-ID and password. A company
that prefers password access has embedded the user-ID and password into
the URL for the journal link, so that patrons do not have to remember
passwords (Brad Gulliford, 30 August). Darthmouth College has
implemented a system called Kerberos that checks users' authorization
for a number of services and resources on the basis of a single sign-on
(William Garrity, 31 August, and thread).
Gateway services and journal aggregators are mentioned as a possible
compromise for publishers and librarians, as they limit the number of
access points and methods.
In general, storage at the publisher's server is preferred. Local
storage is often considered to be too expensive (both in storage
capacity, and in necessary staff to download, install and maintain)
and some vendors do not allow such local storage out of fear for
abuse of their materials. On the other hand libraries want guaranteed
perpetual access to their subscriptions, which can of course pose
problem when a publisher discontinues a program or goes out of
business altogether. Suggested solutions are: publishers providing
libraries at some stage (end of subscription? when publisher stops
program?) with complete volumes of journals on tape or CD-ROM; and
services like OCLC Electronic Collections Online.
Thank you for your input!
Ms. Anke de Looper
JOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING COMPANY
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
<anke.delooper@benjamins.nl>
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