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