Information for Vendors
BLC's engagement with new vendors is driven by requests or recommendations from trusted colleagues at our member institutions.
See below for guidance on working with BLC, our priorities in consortial agreements, and how we support vendor engagement with member institutions.
Vendor Expectations
Consortial agreements should include the following attributes:
- Transparent pricing structures
- Opt-in for all BLC member institutions
- Extensible to all BLC member institutions
- Ability to unbundle journal packages
- No forced title swaps or transfers
- No confidentiality requirements on pricing, terms, or negotiations
- No prohibition on AI tools or other patron usage we cannot monitor or control
- Robust protection of user data privacy, and minimal gathering/keeping of personally identifiable information
- Demonstrated commitment to web accessibility and universal design, and provision of a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) upon request
Guidance on Working with BLC
BLC's content acquisitions strategy is driven by member interest, and not by vendor outreach. We see this as a key part of advancing a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to content acquisitions.
Licensing with BLC
If you are a vendor or publisher representative interested in working with BLC, please ensure you have thoroughly reviewed our Values in Library Licensing page, including our licensing priorities and vendor expectations.
Policy on Vendor Sponsorships
We do not accept sponsorships for BLC programs or events, nor do we endorse specific vendors or products.
Vendor Engagement
Similarly, we do not accept unsolicited vendor proposals or demonstrations. The BLC Lunch & Learn series was established as a venue for vendors to share product information by member request or recommendation.
Underrepresented Vendor Partners
We recognize that not accepting unsolicited vendor outreach may disproportionately affect smaller, independent vendors, which may perpetuate the underrepresentation of traditionally marginalized perspectives in library collections.
To that end, providers of content from traditionally marginalized communities are encouraged to get in touch using the form below.