Fees for public libraries
JSTOR partners with public libraries to expand access to scholarly resources and digital stewardship services. Affordable models connect patrons to trusted journals, primary sources, and images that support lifelong learning and community research.
Classifications
Fees are based on your institution’s JSTOR classification. There are four JSTOR classifications for public libraries: Large, Medium, Small, and Very Small. Classification is based on the total population of the area served by the library, according to the most recent statistics.
Please note: JSTOR for public libraries is limited to walk-in access. Remote access for public libraries is not currently supported.
Archival journals and primary sources
Fee model options
Public libraries can choose from two fee model options:
- Full journals and primary sources model: Provides immediate access to the JSTOR Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection, a single collection of all licensed journal and primary source content.
- Individual collections model: Enables public libraries to license individual multi-discipline, discipline-specific, and primary sources collection packages.
Full journals and primary sources model
Public libraries can choose a fee model option that provides immediate access to all JSTOR licensed archival journals and primary sources content via a single collection.
How the model works
New JSTOR participants
The benefits of the model for new to JSTOR participants:
- Your institution gains immediate access to all archival journals and primary source content on JSTOR.
- Access begins with a minimum starting fee that is 50% of the full fee for the collection, and gradually increases annually until you reach the full fee.
How it works:
- Public libraries opt-in to the full journals and primary sources fee model. Opting in provides immediate access to the JSTOR Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection, a single collection of all licensed journal and primary source content.
- The minimum starting fee for the Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection is 50% of the full fee for the collection.
- Institutions gradually increase to the collection’s full fee via a 5% annual fee adjustment. Annual fee adjustments stop when institutions reach the full AAF for the collection.
- The full AAF of the Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection is based on an institution’s classification.
| Classification | Population served | Minimum starting AAF |
|---|---|---|
| Very large | 5 million + | $4,750 |
| Large | 1-5 million | $4,200 |
| Medium | 300,000-1 million | $2,650 |
| Small | 50,000-300,000 | $1,350 |
| Very small | Under 50,000 | $650 |
| Classification | Population served | Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection full AAF |
|---|---|---|
| Very large | 5 million + | $9,500 |
| Large | 1-5 million | $8,400 |
| Medium | 300,000-1 million | $5,300 |
| Small | 50,000-300,000 | $2,700 |
| Very small | Under 50,000 | $1,300 |
Current JSTOR participants
The benefits of the model for current JSTOR participants:
- Your institution gains immediate access to all archival journals and primary source content on JSTOR that is available for licensed access.
- Access begins with your institution’s current total Annual Access Fees (AAF) plus a modest adjustment of 5% that continues to be applied annually until you reach the full fee. Please note: The minimum starting fee is 50% of the full fee for those institutions with a current total AAF plus annual fee adjustment that is below the 50% minimum starting fee.
How it works:
- Public libraries opt in to the full journals and primary sources fee model. Opting in provides immediate access to the JSTOR Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection, a single collection of all licensed journal and primary source content.
- The starting fee is based on the current level of total archive participation in Annual Access Fees (AAF) plus a modest adjustment 5% that continues to be applied annually until you reach the full fee. Please note: The minimum starting fee is 50% of the full fee for those institutions with a current total AAF plus annual fee adjustment that is below the 50% minimum starting fee.
- Annual fee adjustments stop when institutions reach the full AAF for the collection.
- The full AAF of the Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection is based on an institution’s classification. Institutions eventually reach the same AAF for their respective classification, but the number of years to get there varies. This ensures institutions are comparably priced over time.
| Classification | Population served | Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection full AAF |
|---|---|---|
| Very large | 5 million + | $9,500 |
| Large | 1-5 million | $8,400 |
| Medium | 300,000-1 million | $5,300 |
| Small | 50,000-300,000 | $2,700 |
| Very small | Under 50,000 | $1,300 |
Individual collections model
Public libraries can choose to license the following individual multi-discipline, discipline-specific, and primary sources collection packages. The individual collection annual fees for public libraries are based on your institution’s JSTOR classification. For more information about classifications, see above.
Collection I
Includes all JSTOR Arts & Sciences I-XV, the Business IV, Lives of Literature, Public Health, Security Studies, and Sustainability collections. The collection contains all JSTOR archive content in subjects like History, Language & Literature, Religion, Art & Art History, Education, Law, and Political Sciences.
| Classification | AAF |
|---|---|
| Large | $5,332 |
| Medium | $3,199 |
| Small | $1,600 |
| Very small | $800 |
Collection II
Includes all archival Life Sciences content on JSTOR.
| Classification | AAF |
|---|---|
| Large | $3,075 |
| Medium | $2,050 |
| Small | $1,230 |
| Very small | $513 |
Collection III
Includes all primary source collections on JSTOR: Global Plants, Struggles for Freedom: Southern Africa, World Heritage Sites: Africa, and 19th Century British Pamphlets.
| Classification | AAF |
|---|---|
| Large | $615 |
| Medium | $461 |
| Small | $308 |
| Very small | $179 |
Jewish Studies Collection
| Classification | AAF |
|---|---|
| Large | $615 |
| Medium | $410 |
| Small | $205 |
| Very small | $135 |
Hebrew Journals Collection
| Classification | AAF |
|---|---|
| Large | $492 |
| Medium | $328 |
| Small | $164 |
| Very small | $108 |
Ireland Collection
The Ireland Collection is available to all public libraries, regardless of classification, for an AAF of $250.
Artstor collection
The Artstor annual fees for public libraries below are based on your institution’s JSTOR classification. For more information about classifications, see above.
| Classification | AAF |
|---|---|
| Large | $2,500 |
| Medium | $1,295 |
| Small | $875 |
| Very Small | $330 |
Digital Stewardship Services
JSTOR Digital Stewardship Services is a seamless, cloud-hosted platform that unites digital asset management, long-term preservation, and expanded discovery pathways—including sharing on JSTOR—with the AI-assisted collections processing tools of JSTOR Seeklight.
Our tiered service model ensures that institutions of all sizes can access solutions that align with their goals. Compare features or contact us to determine the best fit for your needs. The fees below are based on your JSTOR classification.
Tier 1: Share on JSTOR
Share collections on JSTOR, making them discoverable alongside scholarly research. Includes audio/video hosting, usage analytics, and indexing in search engines and library discovery services.
Annual fees for public libraries begin at $1,200.
Tier 2: Preserve, manage, and share
Everything in Tier 1, plus digital asset management with flexible cataloging tools, broader sharing options, and OAIS-compliant preservation.
Annual fees for public libraries begin at $5,000.
Tier 3: AI-assisted stewardship charter program
Everything in Tiers 1 and 2, plus the AI-powered tools of JSTOR Seeklight for accelerating collections processing—from description to transcription and analysis—while maintaining expert oversight and control.
Charter program* participants join a growing community of institutions partnering with JSTOR to advance responsible, AI-assisted digital stewardship through shared learning, collaboration, and continuous feedback.
Annual Tier 3 charter fees for public libraries begin at $6,000.
*Open to institutions with Tier 3 licenses active by or before 12/31/2025
Let’s connect
Get tailored pricing for your institution
Every institution is unique—your pricing should be too. Tell us a bit about your organization, and we’ll match you with the right JSTOR access and participation options.
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Get tailored pricing for your institution
Every institution is unique—your pricing should be too. Tell us a bit about your organization, and we’ll match you with the right JSTOR access and participation options.
Note: Items marked with * are required.