Research Libraries Reply to Charges From Publishers

The Research Libraries Group, a consortium of four major libraries, yesterday responded to charges from publishers and clarified its plans for increasing the efficiency of library services to scholars using the New York Public Library and the libraries of Harvard, Yale and Columbia universities.

The library group had been criticized in the press and in public statements by publishing organizations for its plans to photocopy materials instead of purchase duplicate copies. In addition, the Association of American Publishers charged in April that the consortium's proposal violates copyright laws.

The library organization said yesterday, however, that it plans to photocopy primarily little-used but necessary journals and magazines. Although the group will purchase only one volume of each of these journals, it will use the money saved to purchase other research journals which the libraries otherwise could not afford.

Publishers are responsible for paying royalties to copyright holders. However, the consortium insists that it will continue to inject the same amount of money into the publishing industry, while spending its own money more efficiently.