Licensing business data in Academia: Negotiating and balancing needs

Abstract Reading licenses can be a challenge with the dry complicated language, but licensing business data is an even bigger challenge. Data providers tend to be less familiar with the academic arena than other business vendors, and they can be much more protective of their content. This article covers the basics of reviewing business data licenses including areas of potential trouble and examples of some language found in licenses. It covers topics like accessing the data, who the users are, vendor requirements to be in compliance, and the difference in how faculty may expect to access the data and how that may conflict with the vendor’s expectations. It also provides basic tips on how to modify and negotiate the license.