Problematic issues of the public procurement of scientific journals

Abstract

Art undecided question is the fact whether library journal subscription falls within the scope of the public procurement law or not. Journal titles are not identical objects, and a journal has a single supplier, the publisher. There is practically no way to invite journal distribution agencies for tendere because their prices hardly differ, and libraries would choose an agency according to its scope and quality of services rather than by price offered. Experiences show that present forms of tender invitation cost more than justified by the benefits.