Library Licensing

March 1, 2020

The scope of this work is broader than the title suggests. Halaychik (head of content management, Univ. of Texas at Austin Libs.) and Reagan (director of procurement svcs., Univ. of Tennessee Syst.) discuss not only the licensing agreements of electronic resources but also many other contracts library professionals regularly encounter, such as services for maintenance, catering, or speakers. Librarians need not be intimidated by contracts, the authors say. They explain basic contract language, describe standard clauses in terms easily understood by nonlawyers, and cover different types of contract maintenance software. Readers will pick up phrases that can be adapted to their needs, and they'll appreciate the appendixes, which include templates for standardizing and streamlining a contract manual for their institutions. VERDICT This is a solid guide for understanding, creating, and managing licensing agreements. Even readers with little experience will gain confidence and be able to approach contract negotiations from a position of knowledge and strength. Library professionals without ready access to legal advisers will refer to this work time and again.--Lydia Olszak, Bosler Memorial Lib., Carlisle, PA

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