David, Putting my Librarian hat on and combining it with my temperance knowledge, here are my thoughts on the reference work- The Standard Encyclopedia of the Alcohol Problem, 6 vols., E.H. Cherrington (American Issue, 1925-30). I strongly agree that such works have not been superseded by more recent works. Although I have rarely used the work I have used the Winskills the UK work, indeed own copies. These reference texts are, in many ways, ripe for digitaliazation. As far as librarians are concerned such electronic reference works should be networked to provide desk top access. This unfortunately can bump up the price. As I don't know the USA copyright laws, this may also have a financial consideration: though the work is now about 70 years old!! A key consideration for librarian is will an electronic book be cost effective, how many will use it, how often etc. Here in Britain university librarian budgets are not as high as in the USA. Indeed, my own university library is having to make "hard choices"!!. The American market would probably justify electronic publishing of the work but I suspect the demand in the UK would be slight as drink and temperance are not as well developed. Access to electronic information is increasing being delivered via the Internet and ip addresses and usernames and passwords required. In some ways works like this should be part of a wider programme of digitalization of ATH core books that would have a wider appeal, or distributed free on the net Hope these thoughts from a wintery Manchester UK are of value. Margaret Barrow Dr Margaret Barrow Joule Library UMIST, P.O. Box 88 Sackville St., Manchester M60 1QD Tel +44 61 200 4932 Fax +44 61 200 4941 email address mailto:[log in to unmask]