ABSTRACT
Some informed participants in the discussion about how to use electronic systems to distribute information suggest that introduction of prices will “stultify” scholarship. Others note that introduction of prices in other sectors of our society liberated consumers, giving them many more choices at lower costs than are found when prices are not used. Some observers are unwilling to see libraries, who are significant net lenders to other libraries, be compensated for their services, arguing that information should be a “public good” and so should always be fully subsidized. Others sense that if flows among libraries are to become substantial, then net providers require financial incentives to make their resources available. Some activists promote a user-powered regime to encourage library clients to scan the Internet for information products and initiate requests for themselves. There is disagreement, however. Will clients be confused by layering prices for alternatives on top of what already appears to be a bewildering array of choices for electronic access? Or will clients be empowered by facing bona fide prices for specific services and so be better able to make informed choices?
