LOCKSS are key to joined up journal pilot

Libraries stand to lose access to e-journal back runs if they cancel their subscriptions, or the publisher goes bust. In a bid to protect these information assets, JISC and the Consortium of Research Libraries (CURL) have joined up to pilot the US-based LOCKSS system.

LOCKSS (lots of copies keep stuff safe) has 50 academic library members in the US. The web-based system integrates with a library’s web proxy and caches e-journal content so that if it becomes unavailable from the publisher, the resource can be accessed directly from the library’s LOCKSS cache.

Helen Hockx-Yu, programme manager at JISC , said libraries are looking at a cost of £600 for the hardware needed for LOCKSS over four and a half years.

The pilot will be set-up in December, after which participants will be selected. “In the pilot programme we will give all the help that is needed and aim to build a community of libraries to support each other,” said Hockx-Yu.

She said it was vital to consider publisher interest in setting up the pilot. “We need to respect publishers’ business models; we can’t do this ourselves.” Publishers have to give permission for the LOCKSS system to collect and preserve their journal by adding a page to the journal’s website containing a permission statement.

LOCKSS – KEY FACTS

Preserves access to e-journals if they go out of print or the publisher goes bust

Web-based, storing target

e-journals on a caching system as they are published

Provides access direct to the publisher site or to the cached version as appropriate

Links with LOCKSS installations in other libraries to compare content holdings and repair if needed

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