From: Angela Timmerman <[log in to unmask]> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:03:12 -0600 Springer has been hosting Library Advisory Board meetings since 2005. Over the course of the last 7 years we have enjoyed the collaboration with librarians in an open environment. Members are chosen based on feedback from our sales team. We look for members who are known to be outspoken and well-versed within library related hot topics and trends. Members are generally rotated on 3 year basis. Agenda’s are developed using both internal and external feedback and usually cover new developments and trends within Springer and the library community. We look to gain honest, open and direct feedback from key industry thought leaders in the respective industries and regions. The feedback we gain from the LAB meetings is invaluable. Before a new product is launched, we introduce the idea to the LAB group 6 to 12 months prior to actual launch. The discussions following are important to content development, product/site development and pricing. Some examples of this are: SpringerProtocols: The LAB members helped to structure the pricing in a way that was more suitable to the market. We were able to make the necessary changes to the pricing before the launch. The LAB members raved at the next meeting how they felt like Springer "really listened" and took their feedback seriously. SpringerLink: The LAB members played a large part in the early stages of the SpringerLink re-launch in 2009. Though not all requests and input were directly put to use, the feedback gained is still being used to direct future plans for SpringerLink MyCopy: The plan was discussed with the LAB members at one meeting and the product name was chosen as a group effort. The input and discussions from LAB meetings is seen as an invaluable resource to allow Springer to balance strategy and development against the market needs. We often call upon LAB members to speak at other events and meetings. There is nothing better than a working global LAB group. Angela Timmerman Springer SBM B.V. Director Academic / Government Marketing & Account Development EMEA