Licensing and negotiations for commercial e‐resources in African libraries: Perils and promises for libraries in Malawi

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight how libraries in Malawi are accessing e‐resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted a case study approach. Quantitative data were collected and analysed. Data was collected through MALICO and INASP documentary. Usage statistics provided by counter compliant publishers and collated by INASP from 2008 to 2012 was the other source of information. Annual member contributions and e‐resource subscription sheets from MALICO were used for data collection. Qualitative data have been presented and analysed in the form of tables and graphs.

Findings

Libraries in Malawi have access to peer reviewed and impact factored journals courtesy of EIFL, INASP, HINARI, OARE, AGORA and other international organisations. Libraries in Malawi contribute towards the e‐resources to the consortia, MALICO, at heavily discounted rates done through negotiations by eIFL and INASP with the publishers. Currently, the libraries are failing to contribute their portion towards e‐resources due to inadequate budgets. Libraries in Malawi have resorted to digitising local content and establishing locally available institutional repositories.

Practical implications

Libraries in Malawi are making enormous strides in building digital libraries and institutional repositories based on local content.

Originality/value

There is little researched information on the funding levels and use of e‐resources in libraries in Malawi. This paper seeks to bridge the gap by providing some information on the state of e‐resources for libraries in Malawi.

Citation

Mapulanga, P. (2013), "Licensing and negotiations for commercial e‐resources in African libraries: Perils and promises for libraries in Malawi", Library Review, Vol. 62 No. 4/5, pp. 253-265. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-01-2013-0008