ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. This paper is based on a presentation given by Ken Frazier in tandem with Loretta Ebert. The term “Big Deal” is used to describe licensing agreements that provide expanded or complete access to the e-journal content of major publishers. The author discusses the liabilities and opportunities created by a library collection development strategy that avoids buying into Big Deals and focuses instead on journal cost-effectiveness. Even the most cost-effective Big Deals are not financially sustainable and can, at best, provide a transition to a more open and affordable scholarly communication system. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <docdelivery@haworthpress.com> Website: <https://www.HaworthPress.com>]
