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University Libraries

University Libraries Objectives for Negotiations and Licensing

University of South Carolina Libraries are guided by principles to maximize institutional and public value while minimizing costs when entering into agreements with publishers and vendors.

Purpose

The University of South Carolina Libraries prioritizes arrangements with publishers and vendors that align with the missions of the university and Libraries. As a public institution, the University of South Carolina acts in the best interests of the state's citizens and other stakeholders by encouraging “teaching, research, creative activity and community engagement.” It is the responsibility of the Libraries to ensure that all stakeholders can fully access and participate in the scholarly communication process and that all agreements maximize institutional and public value while minimizing costs.

In the spirit of transparency and to expand the creation and dissemination of knowledge across university, state, national and global communities, the University of South Carolina Libraries will be guided by the following principles when entering into agreements with publishers and vendors.

Principles

1.  Prices, for both content and author fees, should be reasonable, sustainable and transparent.
2.  Access to licensed content should include:

  • Reduced prices for content transitioning to open access or available through a hybrid model.
  • Discounted author, institutional and consortial rates for publishing open access.
  • Limited or no digital rights management.
  • Full accessibility in compliance with all standard laws and guidelines.
  • Computational access and full text, content and data mining or harvesting rights for authorized users.
  • The right to utilize copyright exceptions without additional restrictions for library services such as interlibrary loan and electronic reserves.
  • Complete, accurate and up-to-date metadata and content discoverability access through common link resolver services, discovery services and platforms.
  • Conditions allowing USC authors the option to maintain intellectual control and reuse rights of published content.

3.  Content providers will grant access to usage statistics or permission for third-party collection of usage statistics.

  • Usage statistic reporting should adhere to the SUSHI protocol, COUNTER Code of Practice standards and community-endorsed equivalents.

4.  Non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality clauses and other barriers to transparent pricing and terms will not be accepted.
 
Updated August 2021

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