Why? Probably because it would cost them time and money to hire staff. Would this be cheaper than Elsevier? Perhaps but maybe not. Let's assume they could do i

Why? Probably because it would cost them time and money to hire staff. Would this be cheaper than Elsevier? Perhaps but maybe not. Let's assume they could do it for less. How would they handle the schools that didn't want to contribute? If they charge, well, we're back to where we are now with some big (non-profit) corporation controlling access. But if they don't charge and give it all away, well, why should anyone pony up?