Key Takeaways:
- Projected price increases for print and electronic serials in 2026
- Currency impact estimates across major billing regions
- Key budget pressures including tariffs, enrollment, and demographics
- How libraries are adapting purchasing strategies beyond price
Each year, EBSCO surveys publishers and analyzes pricing data to forecast serials price trends. The 2026 report helps libraries and publishers prepare for renewals by offering projections and context on the financial landscape ahead.
How will currency fluctuations affect pricing?
Currency impacts vary by billing region. The report includes a detailed table estimating price changes based on exchange rates as of mid-September 2025.
What external factors are influencing serials pricing?
• Federal Funding & Institutional Budgets: U.S. research funding affects library purchasing power.
• Tariffs & Trade: Global trade tensions may indirectly impact library budgets through rising infrastructure costs.
• International Enrollment: Shifts in student mobility affect tuition revenue and institutional capacity.
• Demographics: Declining student-age populations in key regions are reshaping higher education’s financial foundation.
• Operating Costs: Rising costs and uneven public funding are creating divergent budget pressures across institutions.
How are libraries adapting?
Libraries are increasingly evaluating purchases based on mission alignment, documented use, licensing terms, and accessibility. Flexible budgeting models and usage-based triggers are becoming more common.
