“The following set of eleven principles for library content licenses was developed by a group of representatives from ASERL member libraries with several goals in mind: 

To make life easier for our colleagues by setting out what we consider to be the ideals libraries should pursue in each of the license terms covered here, as well as an example of license language that achieves those ideals, where possible. 

To give guidance to vendors so that they can present libraries with terms that are acceptable at the outset, saving everyone time and effort in negotiations. 

To establish and strengthen norms around licensing terms in key areas that may be the subject of uncertainty or disagreement between libraries and vendors to best serve libraries’ missions. 

 
ASERL believes every provision in a content license presents both parties with an opportunity to affirm core values. We are hopeful that this document will help ensure library values shape and inform the licenses that govern the information our institutions acquire on behalf of our users….”