MathSciNet’s 2026 tiered pricing update
In 2026, the American Mathematical Society (AMS) will introduce a new tiered pricing structure for MathSciNet’s U.S. consortium customers. The shift toward tiered pricing is a response to academic libraries’ evolving needs, as well as consortia’s requests for a more straightforward, transparent, and predictable model. This article will break down the reasoning for the tiered model, the criteria for each tier, and the overall impact on consortium pricing.
Why change the pricing model?
Libraries have evolved significantly since MathSciNet was introduced in 1996. Librarians navigated new technologies—from link resolvers to Artificial Intelligence—and endured economic events like the 2007-2008 financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Through these shifts, MathSciNet’s pricing model has received one significant update.
When MathSciNet was first launched, each institution paid full list price for access. Initial subscribers were often—but not always—large research institutions with substantial math departments. Demand for the resource grew among smaller institutions, and the AMS modified the model to allow for discounted access to consortia members starting in 1997.
This revised model allowed consortia to offer MathSciNet at a discounted rate as long as at least one consortium member paid list price. Additionally, a MathSciNet fee was recalculated every three years for each institution to account for mathematical research activity.
The first consortium model allowed for broader access, but also led to inconsistencies:
- Long-time subscribers often paid significantly more than new ones.
- Institutions of similar size and research activity often faced disparate pricing.
- For departments with fluctuating research output, budget planning was challenging due to inconsistent fees.
To address these issues, the AMS developed a new tiered pricing system based on input from consortia, library advisory boards, and institutional customers. The shift follows the AMS journal program’s move to tiered pricing, which was positively received by customers when it was introduced in 2023.
The outlined model was first shared with consortia managers and the AMS’ library advisory board in spring of 2023. A scaled model of all U.S. consortia was completed by the AMS in early 2025.
How tiered pricing works
Beginning in 2026, MathSciNet’s tiered pricing model will place institutions into one of six tiers based on three key factors:
- Level of Mathematics Degree Offered: Math Ph.D.-granting institutions are placed in higher tiers, while undergraduate-focused institutions tend to fall in lower tiers. Math-adjacent degrees (such as statistics, computer science, data analytics) may be considered during this process, but are not weighted as heavily in tiering decisions.
- Research Activity: Institutions with higher research activity in math may be placed in higher tiers.
- Institution Size: Institutional size (measured by FTE) can impact tier decisions as a check against the first two factors.
New pricing will be implemented during the 2026 MathSciNet renewal period. The AMS understands that libraries need time to adjust to pricing changes, so all tiered pricing shifts – whether a price increase or decrease – will be phased equally across a five-year period (ending in 2030).
Comparing old vs. new pricing
To gauge the impact of this shift, the AMS modelled the new tiering process across eight consortia in different regions. Each institution was evaluated on degrees offered, research activity, and institution size, leading to pricing changes for many individual institutions.
The AMS noted several trends through this process, including a growing emphasis on research output (particularly in STEM). Many institutions that were relatively small when MathSciNet launched had to be reevaluated. In other geographic locations, demographic shifts have led to mergers and downsizing of some institutions that required price decreases.
The overall change was small at the consortium level; more than half of consortia received an overall price decrease or flat rate. Across all participants, the total billed amount for MathSciNet increased by just 1.5%.
Tier assessment
Recognising that each institution is unique, the AMS completed an individual evaluation for each institution. The AMS considers tiering more of an art than a science and relies on human judgment for each tiering decision.
The AMS will also offer an opportunity for reassessment through the renewal phase and will consider any additional information provided by institutions.
Conclusion
The new tiered pricing structure is designed to be fairer and more predictable, aligning costs with institutional needs. By considering degree offerings, research activity, and enrolment size, the AMS will offer a necessary, modern update to MathSciNet’s current pricing model.
Please send any questions to Tyler Kane, Marketing and Library Relations Strategist, at trk@ams.org.