Provides a case study of the acquisitions processes that were necessary when Cardiff University's School of Engineering made a decision to subscribe to electronic-only versions of journals where such subscriptions were less expensive than the print equivalent. In doing so, addresses issues of electronic subscriptions management in UK academic institutions such as national initiatives, subscription models, and the impact of tax regulations. Also describes some new developments in the scholarly communication marketplace. Concludes that the current ejournal marketplace is not conducive to moving to electronic-only journal subscriptions as a cost-saving measure, but new developments may in the near future fundamentally alter the journals marketplace.