SGM introduces new 2010 Pricing Model

The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) is introducing a tiered pricing model for its journals in 2010.

The new model will apply to the four SGM journals: Microbiology, Journal of General Virology, International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology and Journal of Medical Microbiology.

Since the introduction of online access for its journals, SGM has operated a print plus online and online only subscription model, the prices of which have been based on the traditional 'one price for all', print-based model. This model has become increasingly less appropriate for organizations seeking to license online access, sometimes across several sites, resulting in complex negotiations and additional subscriptions being required for libraries to establish the level of access they need. It also places an unfair burden on smaller institutions who pay the same price as a large institution with much greater use.

SGM has therefore developed a new pricing model for online journals to be fairer and to offer greater flexibility of access. The model is broadly based on the HighWire Shop For Journals tiered pricing structure, which allocates customers into one of five pricing categories depending on their type and size. In addition, SGM has enhanced the model with a flexible approach to licensing access across related sites. The model will entitle organizations to a level of access across several sites within one or two cities through a single licence, rather than requiring multiple subscriptions or multi-site access. "We appreciate that now more than ever, libraries' budgets are under pressure," commented Dr Ron Fraser, Chief Executive of SGM. "As a not-for-profit publisher we've always worked hard to minimize the costs of our journals, which are among the most inexpensive and yet highly cited in microbiology and our prices remain lower than many competing titles produced by commercial publishers. Our model seeks to deliver a fair price based on the value of our journals to any one institution, with the flexible licensing terms that libraries need in order to maximize the value of their purchase."

SGM has worked extensively with industry partners to pre-assign tiers to their customers to help make the transfer to the new model as smooth as possible. The majority of SGM customers fall into tiers 1–4 and will be billed a set, tiered, price. For some of SGM's customers this will mean a reduction in the price they pay. A few very large customers, or those wanting access in sites across three or more cities, will be allocated into tier 5 for which a custom price will be agreed.

In order to provide time for a review of tier allocations and budgets in advance of 2010 renewals, SGM will contact customers directly and is working closely with subscription agents to ensure that library subscribers receive notice of their tier allocation and associated renewal prices for 2010 during spring 2009.

Further information about the new model can also be found at www.sgmjournals.org/librarians

Please do not hesitate to contact SGM at tiers{at}sgm.ac.uk if you have any questions about these changes.

Journal Sales Department
The Society for General Microbiology
Marlborough House
Basingstoke Rd
Spencers Wood
Reading, UK
RG7 1AG

Tel: +44 (0) 118 988 1800
Fax: +44 (0) 118 988 5656
Email: tiers{at}sgm.ac.uk

About the Society for General Microbiology

The Society for General Microbiology is the largest microbiology society in Europe, and has over 5,500 members worldwide. The Society provides a common meeting ground for scientists working in research and in fields with applications in microbiology including medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, industry, agriculture, food, the environment and education.

The Society publishes four distinguished monthly journals of international repute: Microbiology, Journal of General Virology, International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology and Journal of Medical Microbiology. The journals contain high-quality research papers and topical review articles. The online versions are published with the assistance of HighWire Press, with many added features and functions to aid the reader, and can be accessed via www.sgmjournals.org

In addition to its publishing remit, the SGM supports microbiology by representing the science and profession of microbiology to government, the media and the general public. Activities include organising scientific meetings, grants, prize lectures, education and science promotion activities and supporting the continuing professional development of its members.