Hold up! Here’s the business model:
How Maxwell Put Research Behind a Paywall
1. Founding Pergamon Press (1951):
• Maxwell started Pergamon Press with a focus on scientific, technical, and medical (STM) journals. He recognized the growing post-World War II demand for specialized academic content among universities, libraries, and research institutions. By acquiring and publishing niche journals, he created a controlled supply of essential research materials. [0]
2. Subscription-Based Model:
• Maxwell pioneered a business model where access to these journals was granted through institutional subscriptions rather than open distribution. Libraries and universities were required to pay recurring fees to access the content, effectively placing the research behind a paywall. This was a departure from earlier models where some scientific knowledge was more freely shared. [1]
• He aggressively marketed bundled journal subscriptions, often locking institutions into long-term contracts, which increased costs and ensured a steady revenue stream. This practice became a cornerstone of the academic publishing industry. [2]