Abstract
The University of Tennessee implemented a master agreement initiative in fall 2012 as an effort to create a more effective and efficient contract review and approval process. The initiative, a joint venture between the campus libraries, the University’s System Office of Contracts Administration, and the Purchasing Department, started with one basic master agreement and quickly expanded to over 115 signed documents. The agreements cover the vast majority of library electronic and media resource vendors and have reduced contract volume by more than half. When master agreements are in place, terms and conditions no longer sit awaiting review and approval for multiple weeks or months, which virtually eliminates the danger of access to library resources being shut off. Additionally, master agreements have removed obstacles which had previously impeded the University’s various campus libraries from working together to save money and broaden access through joint purchases.
Streamlined Licensing Through Institutional Master Agreements: A Success Story
The University of Tennessee implemented a master agreement initiative in fall 2012 as an effort to create a more effective and efficient contract review and approval process. The initiative, a joint venture between the campus libraries, the University’s System Office of Contracts Administration, and the Purchasing Department, started with one basic master agreement and quickly expanded to over 115 signed documents. The agreements cover the vast majority of library electronic and media resource vendors and have reduced contract volume by more than half. When master agreements are in place, terms and conditions no longer sit awaiting review and approval for multiple weeks or months, which virtually eliminates the danger of access to library resources being shut off. Additionally, master agreements have removed obstacles which had previously impeded the University’s various campus libraries from working together to save money and broaden access through joint purchases.