Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
We are in a trial period with LEXIS and will soon be negotiating a flat-rate
agreement.
>>> Margaret Ross <mross@mwn.com> 08/28 12:15 PM >>>
We are finalizing our negotiation with WESTLAW on our flat rate plan. Heide
Lynn Cohen has been very gracious with my filtering questions from the Library
Committee through her to Westlaw's business office. We were presented with two
options and after several phone calls a third option was offered. They accepted
our request for a 6 months out and also an anniversary clause. The committee
is happy with the contract signed. Now we wait and see the impact of having
flat rates with WESTLAW and Lexis-Nexis.
Following are some of the comments, heads up, suggestions and tips received:
1. Negotiate options - vendors are more than willing to come up with something
that you will be able to live with. Have your own figures don't rely on theirs
alone bring in the Office Manager/Business Manager if Library Committee
agreeable.
2. Recoverable income - nonbillable charges will go up.
3. Research style - some users are more comfortable with one or the other. Even
though both are taught in law schools.
4. Training/retraining issue - have you tried to get an attorney to come for
training. UGH!!!
5. Anniversary clause - one year and out
5. Trial period 3/6 month -we went with a 6 month out because I didn't feel we
would have enough information to judge usage.
6. Renewal rates based on prior usage - WESTLAW has been usually surprising
lower for some libraries.
7. Wexis flat rates- gives you bargaining power when you have both
8. Wexis databases - have different publication so that some print titles can
be eliminated
9. Unlimited usage results in higher contracts
10. Future - cost being absorbed into overhead
11. Some firms have not been happy with either service and have cancelled. Some
have cancelled and gone back later with more information and have obtained a
better flat rate.
Bottom line NEGOTIATE
Thanks to the following: Sandra L.Willis, Mariann Storck, Christine Capdelaine,
Nina Porcella, Anne Washburn, Keith Knopf .
Margaret J. Ross
McNees Wallace & Nurick
100 Pine St.
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
717-237-5205
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