Perpetual Access Task Group

Perpetual Access Task Group
Terms of Reference and Mode of Operation
Approved: CRKN Board of Directors, January 27, 2011

Objective:
The objective of the Perpetual Access Task Group (PATG) is to examine the issue of perpetual and post termination rights to ensure long-term access to CRKN licensed content for member institutions.

Goals:
The stated goals of the Perpetual Access Task Group (PATG) are:

  1. Review the 2009-2010 experience of member withdrawal from participation in licenses to understand the issues encountered with regard to perpetual access rights;
  2. Examine current model license language and license agreement provisions and explore the implications, including issues such as required technological infrastructure and financial terms, should a member cease participation in a license agreement or the license be terminated for any other reason;
  3. Engage and collaborate with other organizations (both in Canada and internationally) to explore current and potential options available to CRKN members for long-term storage and access for content licenses as perpetual access, including the technical and financial obligations of such options, and summarize best practices to inform members and guide future licensing activities;
  4. Develop policies and procedures for recommendation to the CRKN Board of Directors to address members’ needs in relational to perpetual access to licensed content.

Membership:

  • 1 member of the Negotiations Resource Team (NRT) designated as chair of the working group;
  • 4 librarians from the membership who offer additional diversity of expertise, with an interest in access rights.

The CRKN Executive Director is entitled to participate in all meetings of PATG but has no right to vote as a member of the committee. At the discretion of the Executive Director and in consultation with the chair, other CRKN staff may participate in meetings and serve as PATG resource personnel, as required.

Appointment Process:

  • The members of the Perpetual Access Task Group are appointed by the Negotiations Resource Team.

Lines of Accountability and Communication:

  • The Perpetual Access Task Group is accountable to the Negotiations Resource Team;
  • The Chair of the NRT reports on its activities to the Board of Directors, and submits written recommendations as required for the Board of Directors’ consideration;
  • Minutes and documents of the PATG are held confidential, and not for redistribution by team members.

Financial and Administrative Policies:

  • Service on the PATG is non-remunerative;
  • Travel and meeting expenses for PATG members are reimbursed according to the policies of CRKN;
  • Members of the committee comply with Board-approved governance and organizational policies, including code of conduct and conflict of interest policies.

The members include:

  •  Tony Horava, Associate University Librarian (Collections), University of Ottawa (Chair)
  •  Geoff Brown, Head of Technical Services, Dalhousie University
  •  Jan Horner, Collections Management Coordinator, University of Manitoba
  •  Pierre Lasou, Spécialiste en ressources documentaires, Université Laval
  •  Barbara McDonald, Associate University Librarian for Collections and Liaison, Brock University
  •  Barbara Nelke, Head, Library Technical Services and Collections, University of Regina