Sections

There was an article in the latest issue of Antenna (“High cost of electronic access to RES Journals” by Mike Wilson) which discussed the extortionate costs of basic membership and e-access to the Royal Entomological Society’s (RES) journals. It is more expensive than The Linnean Society, The British Ecological Society and the Entomological Society of America!

I had already considered cancelling my membership because it’s my most expensive subscription (£44) and I do not feel I get much for my money. Whilst RES membership offers more than just their journal Antenna, I do not use the library which is no longer in London, nor do I attend many of their lectures of meetings.

I am not alone in my feelings toward the pricing of RES membership. Many of the young working entomologists, amateurs and enthusiasts will not subscribe because of the price. As the stated aim of the RES is,

“The improvement and diffusion of entomological Science”

Lowering prices and having a greater online presence would make RES more accessible. If RES starting giving access to more e-resources (PDFs of Antenna and journal access) for a reasonable cost, I would resubscribe. Currently, I feel that the £44 would be much better spent on a decent entomological book, or three years membership of another entomolgical society.