This course explores the role of license agreements in the e-resource environment and details best practices for creating agreements that protect the rights of users and libraries. You’ll learn about the importance of writing contracts that preserve Fair Use and other rights, and how rights differ in print and electronic environments. You will review the different levels of complexity that exist in the licensing environment, from using a SERU license to simple, single-page agreements for databases to more complex consortial e-journal package licenses.

The instructor will walk you through a typical license agreement and discuss the issues that various sections and clauses may present. You’ll learn tips for working with legal counsel and strategies for creating addenda that cover additional terms and requirements not generally part of a standard agreement.

By the end of this course, you will be able to

• articulate to colleagues and library leadership the importance of negotiating good licensing terms;
• be familiar with best practices for license agreements; and
• work confidently with vendors and legal counsel to craft licenses that protect the rights of users and libraries.