In the third episode of this four-part series, Nathan Rupp, Acquisitions & E-Resources Librarian at Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies, digs into the details of evaluating and negotiating resource licenses. He first walks through his March 2024 Against the Grain article where he outlined key items he looks for in resource licenses. Sharing Purdue’s needs regarding interlibrary loans, off-campus access, and accessibility, Nathan reveals the balancing act and language of contract negotiations. Further, he highlights how the negotiation process has changed in recent years, such as vendors using online—and therefore more changeable—terms and conditions or factoring in consortium needs for whole ebook lending. Last, Nathan chats about what he’s seen in terms of artificial intelligence offerings showing up in vendor clauses and contracts.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates, and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!