Frequently Asked Questions - General

Through the EIFL-Licensing Programme, we negotiate licence agreements with publishers and vendors of commercial e-resources on behalf of library consortia (and their member libraries) in partner countries.

Through direct negotiations, we achieve free or highly discounted access to a wide range commercial e-resources, plus fair terms of use. 

In 2011, we enabled our partner libraries to save an estimated US$175 million in subscription fees, and we achieved an average discount of 97%. 

Our work also results in efficiency gains across the network - for example in terms of time and legal fees.

Other key priorities for the EIFL-Licensing Programme include:

• Working with partner library consortia to promote greater awareness, participation and usage of e-resources across the EIFL network through a wide range of initiatives.
• Building local capacity in the licensing and management of e-resources.
• Developing effective tools to support advocacy.

We have negotiated agreements with over 20 vendors for more than 50 commercial e-resources.

Our portfolio of licensed resources covers a comprehensive range of subject areas and types of content  – for example e-journal and e-book collections, and reference and bibliographic databases.

EIFL-negotiated agreements are open to members of our partner library consortia in eligible countries.

The catalogue page for each licensed resource (click here for a list) indicates the list of eligible countries i.e. those that are covered by the agreement.

A list of licensed resources available to each of our partner library consortia will be available soon. 

If your institution is a member of the EIFL-partner library consortium in your country AND your country is eligible for the resource of your choice, you should be able to subscribe. 

Please contact the EIFL-Licensing Coordinator in your country for further details.

If your institution is eligible to subscribe to a particular resource, please contact the EIFL-Licensing Coordinator in your country.

They will be able to help you through the subscription process.

Pricing is only available to EIFL-Licensing Coordinators.

If your institution is eligible to subscribe to a particular resource, please contact the EIFL-Licensing Coordinator in your country, and they will be able to advise you about pricing. 

Most vendors are pleased to offer 30-day free trials of their resources to institutions that are members of EIFL partner library consortia. 

If your institution is eligible to subscribe, and if you are interested in a free trial, please contact the EIFL-Licensing Coordinator in your country.

 See Model Licence FAQ.

See Access FAQ.

You can find out whether individual journals are included in collections available through EIFL-negotiated agreements here.