ASA Documents
THE WORK OF SUBSCRIPTION AGENTS
the Subscription Agent in the 1990's
Subscription agents have been around for a good many years. The oldest is W.H Everett and Son Ltd., founded in 1793. In 1809 Dawsons were delivering journals by stage coach and Faxon proudly state that they have been giving a continual service to libraries since 1881. In the last ten years many long established agents have disappeared as a result of takeovers, mergers or simply ceasing to trade. Why?
- It is a highly specialised job and if it is to be done well requires heavy investment in computer technology and skilled staff.
- There are very few start ups of new subscription agents, at least in the Western World. However, the introduction of the Internet and electronic journals may change this picture.
- The large established agents are getting bigger and swallowing up smaller ones.
- There must be a high volume of business to cover operating costs from publishers' generally wafer thin discounts.
Most of the reputable agents world-wide belong to the Association of Subscription Agents.
Its aims and objectives are:
- To set and maintain standards of service.
- To improve publisher/agent relations.
- To take action when agents and subscribers interests are threatened, i.e. imposition of VAT, increased postage rates, etc.
- To maintain friendly competition between each other. We are not a cartel.
- To invite publishers to the meetings to discuss and resolve mutual problems.
- To provide a means of feeding back the concerns and wishes of subscribers to publishers and vice versa.