The Negotiations Community of Practice works to meaningfully address information asymmetries between libraries and vendors, to support libraries in negotiating better deals and unbundling from big deal packages, and to better align collections spending with library values. Our working groups are community-driven, responsive to current events, and build networks. Participation is open to library workers at any institution willing to share their experiences and actively contribute to the community. If you’re not at a SPARC member institution but would like to participate in the community, please contact us.
In addition to the working groups below, the Negotiations Community of Practice hosts regular community-wide forums, webcasts, and professional development opportunities. Past programming includes vendor-specific discussions, Negotiations 101 and 201 series, and events in partnership with the ONEAL Project.
Current Working Groups
Strategic Priorities
Strategic Priorities provides collaborative and cross-institutional discussions, resources, and strategies on topics related to priorities set by libraries as they endeavor to invest in open practices and appropriate staffing. The resources and strategies derived from this work will help facilitate a more equitable and sustainable scholarly communications landscape.
For more information contact co-leads Robin Sinn and Yasmeen Shorish or visit the Strategic Priorities Working Group page.
Data Analysis
The Data Analysis Working Group develops resources for evidence-based decision-making to prepare for negotiations for new materials and renewals of current subscriptions, as well as to examine established and emergent subscription models.
For more information, contact lead Allison Langham-Putrow or visit the Data Analysis Working Group page.
Campus Engagement
Campus Engagement examines campus engagement strategies, partnerships, and other structures that can be helpful in negotiating. Support structures in this context could include:
- Internal collaboration between library deans/directors and library workers in electronic resources, collections and acquisitions, interlibrary loan, and scholarly communications
- Highlighting work with university administrators
- Collaborative efforts with faculty to align on negotiation goals and strategies
- Model effective communications to campus-wide audiences on critical issues
For more information, contact lead Scarlet Galvan or visit the Campus Engagement resource page.
Previous working groups include Journal Cancellation Impact, which produced Recommendations for Providing Alternative Access After a Big Deal Cancellation.
