The news announced yesterday that the Royal Historical Society’s Bibliography (available via the Institute of Historical Research’s website) is to be taken over and run as a fee-paying venture by Brepols Publishing from the start of next year is depressing. I understand that the Arts and Humanities Research Council (like other benefactors of the bibliography) has limited funds and cannot be expected to support this project indefinitely into the future. I also understand that its staff’s salaries need to be paid and its other costs must be met. But to make the service fee-paying for institutions and individuals is a retrograde step. Brepols Publishing is a commercial company and must seek to make a profit. This move is definitely not in the interests of history or of academic and other historians. The enthusiasm, moreover, of the IHR’s press release yesterday for this change leaves a sour taste. Please think again.
