Expanding access to commercial e-resources
Access to commercial e-resources is essential for quality research and education. But high subscription costs present a major barrier for libraries – and their users – in developing and transition countries.
By negotiating with vendors on behalf of partner countries, we achieve free or highly discounted access to a wide range of commercial e‑resources, plus fair terms of use.
Over 60 e-resources from more than 30 vendors are now available to libraries in partner countries through the EIFL-Licensing programme.
In 2011, we enabled our partner libraries to save an estimated US$175 million in subscription fees, and we achieved an average discount of 97%.
EIFL-Licensing in action…
- Negotiating affordable access to commercial e-resources plus fair terms of use.
- Achieving efficiency gains across the network (for example in terms of time and legal fees) through our central negotiations and licensing activity.
- Working with partner library consortia to promote greater awareness, participation and usage of e-resources across the EIFL network through a wide range of initiatives.
- Building local capacity in the licensing and management of e-resources.
- Developing effective tools to support advocacy.
Our achievements
- We have negotiated agreements with over 30 vendors for more than 60 e-resources.
- Our portfolio of licensed resources covers a comprehensive range of subject areas and includes e-journal and e-book collections, and reference and bibliographic databases.
- In 2011, we achieved average discounts of 97% and estimated savings of over US$175 million - an increase of over 20% on 2009.
- Participation in our agreements and usage is increasing rapidly as a result of awareness-raising campaigns across the network.
Contact us
EIFL-Licensing Programme Manager: Susanna Lob, susanna.lob [at] eifl.net