Research Libraries Oppose Harcourt Sale

U.S. research libraries are seeking to block the $4.5-billion sale of publisher Harcourt General Inc. to rivals Reed Elsevier and Thomson Corp., saying the deal will significantly raise prices for journals and textbooks. The not-for-profit Assn. of Research Libraries, which represents 120 libraries around the country, plans to meet next week with the U.S. Justice Department about the deal announced Oct. 27, an ARL official said. The proposed sale calls for Anglo-Dutch publisher Reed Elsevier to buy Harcourt and then sell a large piece to Thomson for $2.06 billion. Reed Elsevier would retain Harcourt’s science, medical and technical titles. Toronto-based Thomson would get the college publishing division and most of Harcourt’s corporate and professional arm. ARL’s chief concern is with science, medical and technical journals published under the W.B. Saunders, Mosby and Churchill Livingstone names. Harcourt shares closed at $55.74, down 31 cents, on the NYSE.