Why usage statistics cannot tell us everything, and why we shouldn't dare to ask

Abstract

Publishers currently practice third-degree price discrimination whereby different classes of subscribers are charged different prices based on their ability (or willingness) to pay. Distinguishing the type of user within the institution and determining why a resource was used would allow publishers to start practicing first-degree price discrimination -- an economic environment where publishers can start maximizing profits from each institution. Protecting patron privacy also has unintended consequences of protecting the library budget.