Can anyone share experience with purchasing issues of periodicals through a print-on-demand (POD) service such as MagCloud, Lulu.com, or Amazon.com’s CreateSpace? I’m curious how many libraries have already used a POD service to get print issues for their collection, and whether they’re satisfied with the experience.

As a bit of background, here’s a specific example. The  International Journal of Childbirth Education went online-only last year. But if you want print issues, you can buy them from MagCloud.com for $9.99/issue.

Until recently I think the POD services have been perceived as being merely a new form of vanity press, but perhaps they’re something we’ll all be dealing with soon.

Please share your experiences (or thoughts or questions) about POD, on- or off-list.

Steve Black

Serials & Reference Librarian

Neil Hellman Library

The College of Saint Rose

432 Western Ave.

Albany, NY 12203

(518) 458-5494

blacks@strose.edu