On the subscription fees of foreign journals

Abstract

Foreign journals, especially those purchased for convertible currencies, have become more and more expensive, due to the inflation in Hungary and abroad. The author shows that Hungarian libraries can acquire foreign journals even at higher prices than it would be necessary, because of the monopolistic position of the foreign trade companies Kultúra and HELIR. These companies should seek cost reduction possibilities, like simplification of clerical work, subscription to more than one year and in more beneficial currencies and others. To stop further reduction of library holdings, libraries should try to overcome the present monopolistic limitations, or introduce shared acquisiton policies.