2.2.8 Intention to stay with commercial distribution of The Cochrane Library

Promoting access to Cochrane reviews is a basic principle of The Cochrane Collaboration. However, at this time we cannot afford to make the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews freely available, nor is it clear that this is the best way to promote access. It is vital for The Cochrane Collaboration to act consistently and appear stable in the electronic publishing world. If we are to be a part of digital libraries, evidence-based decision support systems, etc., people need to be able to trust The Cochrane Collaboration to establish policies and stick with them. Moreover, income from sales of The Cochrane Library is an important source of funds to support core functions.