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-----Original Message----- From: Anne Harrison [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Posted At: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 1:38 PM Posted To: Library Group Mailbox Conversation: Cataloging Fixed-Fee and Subscription Pricing Quotes Released Subject: Cataloging Fixed-Fee and Subscription Pricing Quotes Released For all FEDLINK libraries cataloging on OCLC: In April, OCLC provided fixed-fee/subscription quotes for FY2005. By this time, your library's FEDLINK point of contact will have a quote sheet, a listing of covered cataloging product codes, and a renewal notice if you are already using fixed-fee pricing. The OCLC cataloging fixed-fee and subscription pricing options allow FEDLINK members to know exactly how much they will pay for cataloging for the coming fiscal year. This year, OCLC is offering a subscription option, as well as fixed-fee. The quote represents the fixed-fee amount for FY2005, as well as the annual cataloging subscription amount. The figure was based on a library' actual usage from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. There are distinct differences between the options: * Fixed-fee: the amount will be re-calculated each year based on the previous calendar year's actual usage, with a price increase added (this year's price increase was 3 percent). Access fees are additional, and are assessed for actual time spent online. * Subscription: the amount quoted will be used as the base amount for next year and subsequent years, with a price increase multiplier of not more than 5 percent added (this year's price increase was 3 percent). The amount will not be re-calculated next year, or in subsequent years. Access fees, also billed on subscription basis, are additional, and will be frozen at the level of actual time spent online during the period used to calculate the FY2005 quote (January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003). Those with stable or increasing cataloging usage should seriously consider the subscription pricing option. FEDLINK Members already on fixed-fee pricing arrangement and wishing to remain on it, do not need to do anything as renewal is automatic. To cancel the fixed-fee payment option and use transaction pricing, complete the "cancel" portion of the renewal notice and return it to FEDLINK by fax on 202-707-4828 no later than Wednesday, June 23, 2004. Those who wish to switch from fixed-fee to the new subscription option should complete the order form (see below) and fax it to FEDLINK on 202-707-4828 no later than Wednesday, June 23, 2004. How was the quote is calculated? The quote is based upon annual transaction averages for about 80 covered product codes including online and offline product codes and credits. OCLC used the 12-month period of January 2003 through December 2003 to calculate the total number of transactions, applied current fiscal year prices (i.e., FY2004), and then added a 3 percent pricing adjustment (equivalent to the overall transaction pricing increase for FY2005). How is the amount is billed? FEDLINK members have flexibility in setting the covered time period and the number of installments. The quoted amount for both the fixed-fee and subscription options may be billed in a single annual payment, four equal quarterly installments or 12 monthly payments. How is an option requested? To start or switch to using the fixed-fee or subscription option, users need to complete the OCLC Fixed-fee/Subscription Pricing for Cataloging order form, a fillable PDF form found at this URL: http://www.oclc.org/support/forms/pdf/catfix.pdf. Users must adjust the form to accommodate FEDLINK options. Which option is recommended? Users who meet the following criteria are good candidates for cataloging fixed-fee or subscription pricing: * have stable or increasing activity * want predictable cataloging bills * want to try additional cataloging products. For those who expect to have decreasing usage, the quote may be too high because it is based on higher usage during the last year. For questions about individual agency quotations or assistance with the form, contact Anne Harrison at FEDLINK (202-707-4834; [log in to unmask]) as soon as possible.