All electronic resources provided by the Libraries are governed by some type of license. The Libraries negotiate as aggressively as possible with publishers for licensing terms that are advantageous for Texas A&M University. One of the key elements of any license is the definition of “authorized user.” The Libraries statement on an authorized user is:
Texas A&M University consists of College Station, Galveston, McAllen, Fort Worth, all TAMU Health (previously known as Health Science Center), and Extension and Experiment Station locations statewide. Authorized users include TAMU faculty and staff and currently enrolled students at each location, as well as distance education students. Walk-in users are defined as non-University library patrons, who are permitted to utilize the resource from computer terminals solely on one of the Library premises.
This definition covers the majority of users at A&M – faculty, staff and students – but there are several user group types that are not clear. This ambiguity is not uncommon in an institution that is as large and complex as Texas A&M, but is a potential source of conflict/disagreement between the Libraries and publishers.
Publishers and libraries have different roles and missions. We engage with publishers in constructive dialog when they assert a concern or disagreement regarding a specific group of users we have authorized. In most cases, we come to an understanding with publishers on such questions. If we cannot agree, the Libraries have options, some of which include negotiating for changes in licensing terms to expand access at an increased cost, withdrawing from the contract (terminating access to the resource), or various legal resolutions.
To further clarify the Libraries’ definition of authorized users, we consider the following user groups as authorized users of the electronic resources that we license on behalf of the A&M community:
The Libraries do not consider the following user groups as falling within our definition of authorized users.
Authorized users typically have a direct formal paid employment relationship with the University. Non-authorized users are usually not paid directly by the University, and while they may serve important roles for the campus, their role is non-instructional and/or focused on a service-based contract.
CAF are medical professionals who are part of the clinical instruction program for TAMU Health professional students. The use of CAF is a long-standing practice in medical settings and they are active in the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Public Health and Dentistry. In these roles, individuals are not paid by the University.
The Libraries consider CAF authorized users. While they do not have a formal paid employment relationship with the University, they are formally appointed and have a key role in the instructional mission of the University. Further, their role is not a passing or temporary one (e.g., a guest lecturer for a class session or two) but is a long-term commitment.
