From: "Miller, Hillary Katharine" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2015 15:10:51 +0000

Ann,

Considering how tough it can be even for native English speakers to
understand contract language sometimes, this is an incredibly
important issue. In thinking of possible solutions to this problem, I
imagine some kind of network of trusted/verified translators or
advisors who both libraries and publishers can work with--libraries
can seek aid from them in translating licenses and understanding the
legal jargon, and publishers can proactively seek out translators to
create official versions of their licenses in multiple languages.
However, I wouldn't want to see a third party service spring up and
further widen the gap between libraries and publishers. Ideally,
publishers could provide all translation and international support
services in house, but I know this is not feasible for all publishers.

Alternatively, the international library community could begin an
initiative to provide licensing training and resources available in
multiple languages. I imagine some central web presence and backbone
organization that partners with native speakers from around the world
to ensure that the content is made available in as many languages as
possible.

Perhaps this is a good opportunity for an organization like IFLA to
take a lead in creating some kind of initiative or network in this
area. For example, IFLA's Acquisition and Collection Development
Section include library and publisher relations and licensing
agreements in their "specialized interests," so they might have
interest in working in this area.

This is all just speculation on my part at this point, but I'd be very
interested to hear other people's ideas for solutions, as well as ways
to turn these ideas into reality. What resources would be required to
support this kind of solution, and who needs to be involved?

Thank you,

Hillary Miller
Carolina Academic Library Associate
E-Resources and Serials Management
PO Box 8890
CB 3938 Davis Library
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27515-8890
Phone: 919.962.3792