Why is online access to some journals only available to libraries?

There are two main reasons why a journal might only be available online to institutions:

• 1. Some publishers are primarily focused on meeting the needs of libraries and choose not to offer online subscription options for individuals. This is generally a business decision and in such cases we only have permission to provide online access to institutions.

• 2. Some journals are sponsored by membership organizations that include print subscriptions as benefits of membership. Before these journals can offer online access to individuals, they must first make arrangements for online access for their members. This can take time, as membership procedures and expectations vary widely.

We prefer to offer online access options for individuals and institutions, but final decisions are made by each journal’s publisher or sponsor.