Big Deal or Not to Big Deal?

Just a few thoughts before going into class tomorrow - I want to get the "facts" about the Big Deal laid out before I learn more about this e-reserve one-size-fits-all option:

Pros:

1. Overall, per article, per word, per whatever, buying in bulk is cheaper (which includes journals).

2. Price increases are predictable - it's capped, so the library isn't thrown any surprises when it comes time to renew.

3. Smaller institutions who may not have a lot to begin with, could benefit from a deal like this.

Cons: (buzz phrase for cons - wiggle room)

1. It takes over the library's budget - it may be very difficult if the library has other journal subscriptions they want to maintain that aren't part of the Big Deal.

2. Large universities and research institutions already have big collections, so would they really benefit from a predetermined package that may provide some overlap or journals that are substandard compared to what they already have?

3. The Big Deal takes away the library's say in their collection.

No cancellations, no selections, huge part of the budget = no wiggle room

I liked the article on the UC system and their protest against Nature. I wonder what happened with that? I guess I'll find out tomorrow. :)