JSTOR: A History

Citation

Freeman, M. (2004), "JSTOR: A History", New Library World, Vol. 105 No. 1/2, pp. 89-90. https://doi.org/10.1108/0307800410515309

Although US in style and content, this workmanlike account of the forming of the acclaimed JSTOR scholarly communications network and all the numerous tribulations this venture endured is an engrossing story of organisational culture which could provide some useful insights for British LIS professionals. JSTOR is a prime example of the electronic digital library brought to fruition by the advent of the Internet and the burgeoning problem of journal storage and access. With JSTOR currently serving 1,500 libraries in 60 countries it is clearly a major player in the academic information arena. With the generous and far‐sighted support of the Mellon Foundation in the early 1990s, William G. Bowen, noted economist and Emeritus President of Princeton University, investigated the idea of digitising the overwhelming and costly flood of journals, particularly the back files, and making appropriate use of the new technologies becoming available to save space and reduce costs. The success and clear benefits of this project spread widely and it is interesting to note that the UK’s JISC formed a “mirror image” relationship with JSTOR which has been productive and sustainable. Schonfield’s account of the formation, development and future possibilities of JSTOR makes many good points about the nurturing of innovation and cooperation – a good deal of which is applicable to the UK academic library scene.

A strong summative chapter on “Lessons learnt” rounds off this interesting and timely account of what can be done if the political and professional will to embrace new information communications technology is present.

In conclusion, a competent, detailed and solid book, well printed and produced which will provide an interesting read for many academic librarians in this age of information cooperation.