Small and Medium Publishers in an E-World: Thinking Outside the Box.

The publications of small and medium publishers are of ten a critical part of library collections. At the same time, these publishers face many challenges as they compete in an e-world with market players who have much greater resources at their disposal. As a result, smaller publishers often offer unique publishing concepts, business models and delivery options. The panel looked at how these publishers are managing in this new environment, and explored their relationships with libraries, subscription agents and other vendors. They reviewed the market forces behind their idea, the business realities they face in launching a new and innovative product, and their experiences in enduser and library communities. The panel included two publishers offering their perspectives on this issue, as well a subscription agent examining their role in reducing complexity and driving efficiency in this rapidly changing market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]