Low Cost Journals Scheme and Protecting the African Library

The increasing cost of journals, declining budgets and currency weaknesses have combined to place a large number of international journals beyond the budgets of many universities in developing countries. Many libraries have become marginalised and are failing to meet the needs of students and researchers.

Responding to this situation, in 2002 the ACU launched the Low Cost Journals Scheme (also known as the Protecting the African Library Scheme within Africa) to assist member universities in Commonwealth developing countries secure access to high quality print copy journals at an affordable price, while still offering some return to publishers.

The Scheme enables libraries to order print copy journals through the ACU, typically at a discount of around 75-80% (25-20% of the original cover price).

Electronic journals

Information on discounted or free access to electronic journals is available from INASP (International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications).

2010 Scheme

Members already familiar with the scheme can access the latest 2010 prices here. You will need to log in to access this; if you have a university email you can create a password here. If you wish to use a Yahoo or similar type of email address, please email acu@studylink.com stating your name, position and your university.

Taking part in the scheme

If you are interested in taking part in the scheme, but have not done so previously, please see the details on how to participate in the scheme. A list of publishers offering journals through the scheme is also available.