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New Resource Selection FAQs

GENERAL

What is the New Resource Selection process?

The New Resource Selection process captures resources of key interest to BC ELN partner libraries and provides an equitable and timely method to determine the top-ranked resources each year.

When is the New Resource Selection process?

The New Resource Selection process occurs annually, with the suggestion form being open on an ongoing basis throughout the year. The ranking survey is sent out once per year, typically in spring, for libraries to choose 1-2 of the suggested resources they would like BC ELN to pursue for consortial licensing.

Who can participate in the New Resource Selection Process?

All library staff at BC ELN partner libraries can submit suggestions that meet the criteria. Each library will be asked to submit only one ranking survey response each year on behalf of their institution.

NEW RESOURCE SUGGESTIONS

Are there any criteria for new resources being suggested?

If vendors offer consortial deals providing better pricing than direct deals, BC ELN is open to licensing many types of resources. These resources may be traditional, such as journal databases or eBook purchases or they may be non-traditional, such as platforms or software.

As per BC ELN’s licensing framework, the consortium gives priority to licensing resources that:

  • Offer economies of scale: benefit the most BC ELN partner libraries.
  • Balance a broad spectrum of academic disciplines (i.e. not a niche resource appealing to a small number of libraries).
  • Will be licensed by a reasonable number of new licensees, which leverages buying power for greater savings during negotiations.
  • Have not been investigated for consortial licensing in the past three years.

How many suggestions can I submit?

There is no limit on the number of suggestions that libraries can make.

Does BC ELN provide resource suggestions?

BC ELN staff regularly speak to vendors and other consortia and have an awareness of resources that may be beneficial to the consortium. In some cases, we may submit resource suggestions. These suggestions do not have “a stamp of approval” from BC ELN and still require evaluation and prioritization by libraries to move forward.

Can I suggest a resource licensed by another consortium?

Consortial licensing works by leveraging the number of licensees to achieve better pricing for all. Several consortia licensing the same resource results in a splintering of buying power, and BC ELN likely won’t be able to negotiate truly favourable pricing. However, in some situations, BC ELN may collaborate with other consortia on shared deals if the vendor and partnering consortium is interested.

Are resources selected for consortial licensing any other way?

Yes, the New Resource Selection process is not the only method used for resource selection. BC ELN is in regular contact with partner libraries, vendors, and other consortia to identify opportunities for licensing as a consortium or in partnership with others.

RANKING SURVEY

How does the ranking survey work?

The ranking survey asks each library to indicate 1-2 resources they are both interested in and willing to license within the next year, assuming budgets remain stable and an advantageous consortial agreement can be negotiated. Votes should be captured for the resources that are of immediate interest and likely to have more libraries participating when offered. It does not commit libraries to participating in newly offered agreements.

How will I know when the ranking survey is open?

While the suggestion form is open on an ongoing basis, the ranking survey is typically conducted annually in the first quarter of the year. Partner libraries will receive an email notice with more information when it is time to vote on the suggested resources for the year.

Does the size or type of partner libraries influence the rankings more heavily than others?

No. Each library’s vote on the ranking survey has equal weight in the process. In the event of a tie, priority will be given to the resources that best meet the suggestion criteria.

Why did my suggestions not appear on the ranking survey?

If your suggestion did not appear on the final ranking survey sent out for voting, it may be because it did not meet the criteria for submission, or it has been investigated recently and was not viable for a consortial offer. BC ELN may curate the final list to meet the consortium’s needs and outlined criteria.

Can BC ELN evaluate resources and/or provide recommendations for libraries?

BC ELN’s role is to coordinate the New Resource Selection process, gather information, and act on the direction of partner libraries. The BC ELN Office does not have the capacity to evaluate all suggested resources, so it is the role of partner libraries to conduct independent evaluations in advance of joining or renewing a license. For more information, see Evaluating Resources.

OUTCOMES

Can BC ELN pursue consortial licenses for highly specialized resources?

Vendors are unlikely to provide favourable pricing if only a small number of institutions are seeking a highly specialized resource. Consortia Canada, which has the capacity to leverage national numbers, is better suited to seeking consortial pricing on these resources.

BC ELN’s strength is its focus on licensing resources which serve broader post-secondary sector needs. This strategy enables institutions to devote savings to licensing the specialized content of value for their unique programs.

Can BC ELN negotiate a better price on a resource my library already licenses directly?

It depends:

  • If only a few libraries license the resource directly, but a significant number of additional libraries are interested, it is more likely that BC ELN can leverage group buying power to negotiate favourable consortial pricing.
  • If the resource is priced inexpensively already, it is unlikely that BC ELN could negotiate a better price even as a consortium.
  • If the resource is already licensed separately by many libraries, the vendor will have little incentive to provide advantageous consortial pricing, as a low number of new subscribers will join. This reduces BC ELN’s leverage.

Why did BC ELN not negotiate and offer a consortial deal for one or both top voted resources for this year?

There are several factors that may mean a successful deal could not be reached during the investigation stage. All details about the process can be seen in the Outcomes Reports. Some factors may include but are not limited to:

  • The vendor filled out the Vendor Checklist and indicated that they were unwilling or unable to align with BC ELN’s licensing requirements, such as:
    • Only providing differential pricing (different pricing for new and renewing subscribers)
    • Not providing a transparent and equitable pricing model
    • Not providing more beneficial consortial pricing
    • Not permitting an ‘opt-in’ offer or requiring commitments ahead of time
    • Not adopting BC ELN’s Model License or providing a suitable alternative
  • The resource was already licensed directly by many partner libraries (i.e. market saturation)
  • The vendor was unable to provide consortial pricing or support consortial licenses
  • Direct pricing for libraries was already considered low, and a consortial deal did not add significant discounts