Gain insight into license terms, conditions, and the negotiation process

Information Outlook, May, 1999 by Valerie Taylor

The Special Libraries Association has two informative programs in 1999 that will enable you to better understand the licensing of electronic resources. Our first pro- gram in the series was a videoconference held on March 4, De-mystifying the Licensing of Electronic Resources. This was a very popular program and was viewed in many areas of the U.S., Canada, and London. If you missed this event that explored the definition of a license, its legal implications, and the specific license terms and conditions in a licensing agreement, you are still in luck! The formal presentations from our panelists, Molly H. Sherden, partner, Peabody & Arnold; Pamela Clark, vice president, American International Group; and Trisha L. Davis, head, continuing acquisition division, Ohio State University, were taped along with the questions and answers from our host sites that were raised during the broadcast. All of this is available on videotape for $55.00 for SLA members or $65.00 for non-members. To order your copy, go to the Virtual Bookstore at http://www.slapublishing.org or call 1-202-939-9633.

The next program in the licensing series, Effective Negotiating Techniques for Licensing Content, will be held on October 14. If you have a general understanding of the terms and conditions of a license, but aren't sure how to negotiate the best deal for your organization, don't miss this important videoconference. You'll gain insight into how information professionals can best position their needs as well as understand the rights and concerns of the content vendor. Learn the secrets to becoming a more successful negotiator! This educational opportunity includes an hour and a half satellite broadcast with question and answer segments (where we take your questions live on the air), workshop activities before and after the broadcast, and the opportunity to engage in informative discussion with your peers.

During this basic to intermediate level program, you'll learn:

* the importance of the negotiation process

* what both the information professional and the content vendor bring to the table

* practical tips to being a successful negotiator

* the communication skills essential to negotiating

* what not to do during the negotiation

SLA will be hosting sites in New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, and London. If you live elsewhere, you can bring this program to your city, too! Site licenses are for sale. All that is required to be a "host site" is a videoconference facility capable of downlinking Ku or C band satellite transmission, and a volunteer to act as a "site coordinator." SLA will provide everything you need to successfully conduct this program. To register at any of the preselected cities listed or to bring this program to your area, visit at our web site at http://www.sla.org/professional/license.html. In addition, for those members who do not live in the above areas, the satellite broadcast portion of the program will be available on the web (this does not include the workshop activities).

The purpose of SLA's distance learning program, including satellite videoconferences, multimedia courses, and online education is to provide you with top notch educational opportunities without incurring travel costs. Videoconferences are an excellent way to bring high quality speakers to you along with the chance to learn from your peers in this workshop setting. Take advantage of this opportunity! For more information, contact the Professional Development department at 1-202-939-3679, ext. 679 or by e-mail at profdev@sla.org.