Licensing Digital Content: A Practical Guide for Librarians

by Lesley Ellen Harris

Of the second edition, ARBA declared, “Harris’s book has become the standard for libraries and has yet to have an equal published that is either as useful or as clear.” Covering the basics of digital licensing for librarians, the new third edition provides a freshened look at all the key issues as well as updated sample agreement clauses. Giving library professionals and students the understanding and the tools needed to negotiate and organize license agreements, Harris uses a plain-language approach that demystifies the process. Her guide• explains licensing terminology and discusses changes in technology, including developments such as text and data mining; • points out opportunities for cost savings;• features many useful tools such as a comprehensive digital license checklist; • provides sources of additional information on the global aspects of licensing; and • walks readers through educating organizations that have signed license agreements. In its new edition, this resource remains a must-have for all information professionals who deal withlicenses for electronic resources.

Genres: Professional Development, Nonfiction, Librarianship

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

dude, THE WORST!! (wooo—flashback to my time of capitals) but i could not get into this book at all. if you are really into licensing digital content, you might really really like this book. me, i have no digital content in my life, for licensing or otherwise. so, to me, this book was wicked boring, and wholly theoretical; like reading a manual called "care and maintenance of your time machine." just not my bag. and frankly, i don't want it to be my bag...because i am sure it is one of those skills, like carpentry or doctoring, that puts you in awkward situations all the freaking time. you are just trying to relax and enjoy breaking bad and suddenly someone wants you to come over and license their digital content (or build them a gazebo), or you are enjoying a nice dinner at a scandinavian restaurant and suddenly there is a crisis situation: "is there a digital content licensor in the house??," and you have to 'fess up, even though you really want to shout, "just leave me to my venison, please!!" i can't handle the frequent late-night calls or being cornered at any of the numerous cocktail parties i attend and assaulted with shop-talk. if you need any digital content licensed, call some other nerd.

come to my blog!

[Hameed Muhammadian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beneficial book for librarians, especially onces who are intersted in digital content..

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this book was intended to serve as a practical guide to evaluating and negotiating license agreements, while skipping many of the nuances and legal foundations of the subject. Harris’ approach is concise and clear throughout, and this is an ideal reference for beginners who need a guide to start picking apart license clauses. For this purpose, chapter 4, "Key Digital Licensing Clauses" is particularly useful to have around.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

will review for November 2009 issue of Information Today

[sara]

Notes:

read intro

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it, especially if you're a librarian!