I was ill when this discussion was first going on but I wanted to put in my
2¢ on Swets.  This library IS staying with Swets for 2005 and, I hope, for
much longer.  We've been their customer for about 10 years (Readmore /
Blackwell / Swets) so there's no need to change now!  Also, the State of
Ohio is continuing their contract for the OhioLINK subscriptions through
Swets.

Carol Feustel

Carol S. Feustel                                 phone: 513-558-0179
Journals Specialist                            fax:       513-558-0472
Health Sciences Library                   email: carol.feustel@uc.edu
University of Cincinnati
121 Wherry Box 670561
3225 Eden Ave.
Cincinnati, OH  45267-0561

-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah Stevens-Rayburn [mailto:mdba@STSCI.EDU]
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2004 11:26 AM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [SERIALST] Swets 2005

It seems to me if you are satisfied with their services and people,
there is no need to switch.  Their situation appears much different from
the Faxon fiasco in that they've been in business a lot longer and the
changes they are undertaking are intended to strenghthen their business.
  In the Faxon case, it seems likely (in 20-20 hindsight) that divine
bought them specifically to get the at the incoming renewal funds.  The
Faxon employees were caught off guard as much as we customers.

My understanding from Swets is that if you are concerned, you may
request that they escrow your payments.  My guess is this would cost an
additional service fee, but if it provides guaranteed (or as guaranteed
as anything can be) security for your funds, it would be worth it.

Personally, having tried one of the other agents for a year, I am quite
comfortable with the decision to switch most of our business to Swets
for 2005.

Sarah

Fatmeh Charafeddine wrote:

> What are libraries doing about Swets Blackwell subscriptions for 2005 ?
> Are you thinking of shifting to a supposedly more financially secured
dealer ?
>
> We like Swets services and people. SwetsNet is the best. We don't want to
loose money or subscriptions.
> If you are in the same situation, kindly share your thoughts we are in a
dilemma.
>
> Thanks and regards
> Fatme Charafeddine
> Serials Librarian/ University Libraries

--
Sarah Stevens-Rayburn, Librarian        email: library@stsci.edu
Space Telescope Science Institute       telephone:  410-338-4961
3700 San Martin Drive                   fax:  410-338-4949
Baltimore, MD  21218
USA

http://sesame.stsci.edu/library.html