The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) is pleased to announce an updated model license agreement which reflects a community-generated template that addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the emerging scholarly communications landscape. The model license is the result of robust community engagement and builds upon the hard work of many organizations and individuals. "This model represents the collective expertise, insights, and collaborative spirit in the CRL/NERL community," said Lanette Garza, CRL Director of Licensing and Acquisitions. "The contributions of engaged members were instrumental in upholding the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusivity in these licensing terms." The agreement builds on the LIBLICENSE Model License Agreement last updated in November of 2014, which guided librarians and served as an important reference tool for the past decade, which guided librarians and served as an important reference tool for the past decade, and it incorporates additional language found in the NERL Model License last updated in 2012. Suggested changes were provided by CRL and NERL members and discussed with the NERL Program Council and the NERL Steering Committee for final approval.
While most changes in the new model license involved updating wording or phrasing in existing clauses, a few were expanded more broadly. NERL members developed one new clause for the updated model license that addresses non-discrimination:
Non-Discrimination, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Licensor and Licensee mutually agree to work together and take steps to support, promote, and achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion and practice non-discrimination when conducting business for the benefit of the greater global research and scholarly publishing community.
CRL/NERL would also like to acknowledge The California Digital Library’s (CDL) model license language as well as enhancements found in the Penn State University Libraries’ model license and the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s Standardized License Language.
CRL's updated model license serves as one of many examples that may provide guidance in negotiating agreements and can be amended and adapted to meet local needs and situations. According to Robert Van Rennes, CRL Licensing Librarian, establishing Artificial Intelligence (AI) language will be a priority in future model licenses. Van Rennes represents NERL/CRL on an ICOLC Task Force exploring how to incorporate licensing terms for AI, as terms and acceptable community-wide language have yet to be established while the technology is continually advancing. Ideally, specific language addressing AI should not be necessary in license terms and covered under Fair Use. Where the inclusion of an AI clause is unavoidable, institutions may seek guidance from the Statement on AI in Licensing issued by the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) and endorsed by NERL. The community can expect NERL and CRL to maintain a leadership posture as we continue to define appropriate licensing terms in an AI environment.
Questions, comments, or suggested revisions are welcome at nerl@crl.edu
