Today, we published an issue brief on the topic of the evolving relationship between research libraries and academic publishers. With this research, we wanted to better understand which qualities and practices library professionals consider most and least important when evaluating their relationships with academic publishers. At a time of significant budgetary constraints within academic libraries, what qualities rise to the top when deciding whether to begin or renew a publisher contract?

To explore these questions, Ithaka S+R conducted a national survey and complementary interviews between August and December 2025. Key findings from this research project include:

  • Library leaders are seeking greater support from publishers in providing and presenting metrics that demonstrate the value of library resources to administrators and other leaders on campus. As budgetary oversight is increasingly reallocated to higher levels of institutional leadership, library deans and university librarians may need to justify their expenditures in new ways.
  • In light of the financial strain felt across higher education, respondents cited cost effectiveness, alignment with recognized accessibility standards, and alignment with library goals as the most important factors in evaluating whether to begin or renew a contract with an academic publisher.
  • As technological and societal shifts shape library priorities in new ways, respondents rated the values publishers place on providing content in accessible formats and supporting efforts to combat misinformation and/or disinformation as extremely important.
  • Financial constraints, rather than staffing limitations, are the primary pressures shaping cancellations. Respondents cited low usage, insufficient budgets, and funding cuts as key factors behind their decision-making.

Across this research, we see that libraries are operating within a “new normal” of constrained and uncertain resources while facing expanding expectations related to accessibility, information integrity, and technological change. As a result, many are seeking to better understand and communicate the return on investment of their collections to campus stakeholders. Closer collaboration around the factors identified in this study as most important, including cost effectiveness, alignment with recognized accessibility standards, and support for combating misinformation and disinformation, offers a constructive path forward for academic publishers and academic libraries to strengthen their partnerships. By engaging directly and transparently with these priorities, publishers and libraries alike may be better positioned to advance their respective missions while navigating a challenging and rapidly evolving scholarly landscape.

We’re interested in learning more about how these findings resonate with your experience. Please reach out to Tracy Bergstrom (tracy.bergstrom@ithaka.org) if you have questions or comments about this report. And later this spring, look for the latest iteration of the Ithaka S+R US Library Directors Survey report for more insight into how libraries are responding to meet the current state of higher education.