License group for Universities and Research Libraries (LUF)
Chairwoman Anna Mette Morthorst
2008 has demanded many resources in the libraries and the secretariat in relation to the follow-up in the wake of the large fusions in the university field.
In 2008 DEFF implemented a new invoicing system with payments in April and October and two payment overviews for the libraries. This happened in continuation of the grants reform and the state’s change to a cost-based grants system. The procedure has been discussed currently in the license group and included suggestions for improvements.
Knowledge Exchange Tender has resulted in five products: ALPSP, Bioone, Multi-Science, the Scientific World and Wiley/Blackwell e-books. Options were sent out on 7. May to the four participating countries – including the Danish consortium. There have been a few confirmations for the first two, while Scientific World Journal has become a national license with access for all DEFF libraries. The national license became a reality with financial support from DEFF, as the steering committee has granted means for the payment of the license over a three-year period.
LUF has appointed various working groups which in 2008 have been dealing with the following areas:
Danish licenses: A questionnaire has charted which Danish e-products the research and education libraries have access to today. The libraries have supplied information about suppliers, possibilities for access management and remote access as well as a general assessment of the product. The questionnaire will i.a. be used to estimate which products should be prioritised in connection with negotiation of new DEFF licenses.
E-books: The group has charted the market for e-book packages and platforms. A list has been compiled of existing packages, and information is available on subject area, price model, supplier, access and licence conditions. A theme day on e-books has been discussed and will be held in early 2009.
Several LUF group members have participated in work relating to the license area, e.g. the DEFF data wells clarification project and a project group concerning WAYF and commercial services. Anna Mette Morthorst has been coordinator for the project with a repeat application to the national pool for research infrastructure as well as the work with preliminary investigations into a possible national solution regarding link resolvers.
Many of the initiatives mentioned will require following up in 2009. There will be a marked wish for consolidation and stable progress within the license area after the busy years of fusion for the libraries and well as the DEFF license secretariat.
Publication may be found at the address http://www.bibliotekogmedier.dk/fileadmin/publikationer/publikationer_engelske/deff/annualreport_2008/index.htm