GENERAL QUESTIONS
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What is the INFORMS/EBSCO partnership?
Starting January 1, 2026, institutional online access to INFORMS journals will be available exclusively through EBSCO’s Business Source databases. INFORMS will discontinue direct online institutional subscription access to its journals. As most INFORMS subscribers already have access to content via Business Source, consolidating journal access through EBSCO ensures a seamless and standardized research experience. - What are the benefits of INFORMS journals access through EBSCO Business Source?
- Seamless and standardized online access to all 17 INFORMS journals.
- Enhanced global accessibility and discoverability of INFORMS content.
- In addition to INFORMS content, inclusion of nearly 500 additional prestigious full-text titles such as Harvard Business Review and Academy of Management Review.
- Enhanced reading experience through Flipster, offering a digital replica of journals and offline access.
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How will the transition affect current institutional subscriptions?
Current institutional subscribers will need to transition to an EBSCO Business Source subscription before January 1, 2026. INFORMS will discontinue direct institutional subscriptions to our 17 online journals at the end of 2025. -
How will individual subscribers be affected?
This change only impacts institutional subscriptions. Individual subscribers can continue accessing INFORMS journals as they currently do. -
Will print institutional journal subscriptions still be available?
Yes, effective January 1, 2026, INFORMS will offer print-only subscriptions that will be sold directly through INFORMS and its agents. Click HERE to learn more.
JOURNAL ACCESS & TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
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How will institutions access INFORMS journals after January 1, 2026?
Institutions will access INFORMS journals exclusively through EBSCO’s Business Source databases. Existing direct institutional subscriptions will be discontinued. -
Will institutions need to take any action before the transition?
Yes, institutions currently subscribing directly to INFORMS should transition to a Business Source subscription before January 1, 2026. Libraries should contact their EBSCO sales representative or INFORMS for assistance. -
What if an institution does not currently subscribe to EBSCO Business Source?
Institutions that do not subscribe to Business Source will have access to a special offer: a discounted Business Source Elite subscription for the first two full subscription years. This ensures continued access at a cost comparable to or lower than their current direct subscription. Contact your EBSCO representative for more information. -
Will users experience any differences in the way they access INFORMS journals?
Users will still access journals through their institution’s library, but via the Business Source platform rather than INFORMS’ direct subscription portal. -
Will back issues of INFORMS journals be available through Business Source?
Yes, Business Source subscriptions will provide access to INFORMS current content from 1998 to present. EBSCO will also provide access to INFORMS journal archives, though the specific availability of back issues will vary by subscription level. -
Our institution paid for an INFORMS Journals Archive subscription, do I still have access to this content?
Yes, INFORMS customers who purchased the Journals Archive (1952-1997) and paid the lifetime maintenance fee will continue to have perpetual access via the INFORMS PubsOnLine platform, just as they currently do. Subscribers who pay an annual maintenance fee will need to continue to pay annually to maintain access.
INSTITUTIONAL SUBSCRIPTION & TRANSITION QUESTIONS
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What happens if an institution does not transition to Business Source in 2026?
Any organization that does not have access to EBSCO Business Source by January 1, 2026, will lose its online institutional access to INFORMS journals. Organizations will need to subscribe through EBSCO’s Business Source to regain online access. -
How will this change impact the pricing of institutional subscriptions?
Pricing will be determined by EBSCO as part of the Business Source subscription model. INFORMS has worked with EBSCO to offer discounted access to Business Source Elite for the first two full subscription years for institutions that are not yet subscribed. -
Will there be any changes to the content or quality of INFORMS journals?
No, INFORMS journals will maintain the same high-quality peer-reviewed content. The only change is the method of institutional access. -
Can institutions still access INFORMS journals through other databases or platforms?
No, after January 1, 2026, EBSCO’s Business Source will be the exclusive provider of institutional access to INFORMS journals. -
How will individual researchers be affected by this change?
Individual researchers affiliated with institutions that subscribe to Business Source will have seamless access through that database. Researchers at institutions that do not subscribe will need to explore alternative access options such as personal subscriptions or document delivery services. -
Will there be any changes to the way INFORMS journals are indexed in databases?
No, indexing and discoverability of INFORMS journals in major databases (e.g., Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) will remain unchanged.
RENEWAL QUESTIONS
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My current subscription expires in December 2025. Will INFORMS handle the renewal?
Beginning January 1, 2026, all renewals and access for online subscriptions will be managed by EBSCO. Please contact EBSCO at [email protected]. -
Who will be sending out the 2026 print-only renewals to agents and/or non-agent customers?
Print subscriptions will be available directly through INFORMS. Click HERE for more information. -
My 2025 subscription order was for both online access AND print. What will happen to that order?
For 2026, separate orders will be required: one with INFORMS for the print edition and one with EBSCO for online access. EBSCO also offers their "Flipster" product to INFORMS journal customers —feel free to ask your representative for details—EBSCO representatives will be happy to tell you more about this product. -
How much does an online subscription cost?
Please contact your EBSCO representative or send an email to [email protected] for information about Business Source pricing.
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION POLICIES
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How much does a print journal subscription cost?
Subscription prices vary by journal. Click here for individual subscription information. Click here for institutional PRINT subscription information. -
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are included in the subscription price. -
What if my journal is damaged or does not arrive?
We understand that missing print issues can be frustrating, and we are committed to providing reliable access to our publications. However, due to the increasing cost of claims, particularly for international shipments, INFORMS will no longer be able to fulfill replacement requests for undelivered print issues beginning with 2026 calendar-year subscriptions.
Subscribers who do not receive a print issue may request a PDF copy of the missing issue by contacting [email protected] for assistance. We appreciate your understanding and encourage readers to make use of our reliable digital access options. (Effective 2026) -
How can I change my shipping, billing, or contact information?
Please contact [email protected] . -
Can I cancel my institutional print subscription?
Cancellations are only accepted during the renewal period. -
What are the accepted payment methods?
INFORMS will accept payments via wire transfer, ACH, credit cards, or checks. Please make the checks out to INFORMS, Institute for Operation Research and the Management Sciences and include your invoice number on your check. Checks must be in US funds drawn on a US bank and can be mailed to:
INFORMS
5521 Research Park Drive, Suite 200
Catonsville, MD 21228
Please email [email protected] for more information when paying by credit card or wire transfer and ACH.
SUPPORT & CONTACT INFORMATION
- Online Subscription & Pricing: Institutions should reach out to their EBSCO sales representative at [email protected]
- Technical Support: Technical issues related to Business Source should be directed to EBSCO’s customer support at [email protected]. For access-related concerns, INFORMS can provide additional guidance.
- Individual Subscription Questions: Individuals should contact INFORMS for membership subscription and access information at [email protected]
- Print Subscription Questions & Claims: Institutions and agencies who need print subscription and pricing information or support for subscription claims can contact [email protected]