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TexShare / SCELC Partner Program

TexShare LogoThe TexShare/SCELC Partner Program provides academic libraries in Texas with the opportunity to license resources currently unavailable through the TexShare program. Four-year colleges and universities in Texas are eligible to become TexShare/SCELC Partners; they will then be able to acquire access to electronic resources at reduced rates negotiated by SCELC.

Why are TexShare and SCELC good partners?

SCELC has many years of experience negotiating and managing cooperative licensing of electronic resources for libraries of non-profit & private, academic & research institutions in California. TexShare and SCELC were both struck by the compatibility of the private academic institutions in Texas and California-- including the number of institutions, the relative sizes of the institutions, and the diverse fields of study. TexShare saw real potential for making more resources accessible to its member libraries through an organization with such an outstanding reputation for service and value.

Is your library eligible?

In order to participate in this program, your library must:

  • be a TexShare Program member or affiliate institution;
  • be an academic library at a 4-year institution within the state of Texas;
  • have a dedicated IP address range assigned to your institution;
  • be able to demonstrate nonprofit status by providing an IRS documentation letter stating nonprofit status; and,
  • agree to the payment policies and procedures described in the SCELC Guidelines

How do you join?

To become a TexShare/SCELC Partner, you will need to complete the following three documents:

When completed, return your SCELC Library Agreement Form to SCELC via email to LRM@scelc.org and officemanager@scelc.org. If you have any questions, you may contact texshare@tsl.texas.gov or (512) 463-5465.

Is there a cost to join the TexShare/SCELC Partner program?

There are no up-front costs. TexShare/SCELC Affiliates are under no obligation to purchase or subscribe to e-resources upon joining SCELC, and there are no minimum annual requirements to maintain. Your library's level of participation is solely your decision.

How will you learn about SCELC's licensing opportunities?

All vendors and resources are available through ConsortiaManager and by request. SCELC librarians also receive monthly email announcements highlighting newly available products and licensing opportunities. Additionally, SCELC encourages vendors to provide you with free product trials and webinars to help you make informed decisions for your institution. For inquiries regarding specific resources, contact us.

How will you be billed?

New purchases or subscriptions are billed upon order to the library from SCELC. Annual subscription and access fees for all of your SCELC licensed resources are consolidated in one statement called the "Master Renewal" invoice, similar to that of a subscription agent.

What does SCELC charge for its services?

At no point will surcharges from SCELC make a licensed resource more expensive for your institution than if you went directly to the vendor. SCELC never expects you to pay more for a resource through the TexShare/SCELC Partner program than if you licensed the content on your own.

Every resource licensed through SCELC is subject to:

  • An Administrative Surcharge of 1%-5%, which applies to all SCELC libraries.
  • An Affiliate Transaction Fee, typically no more than $50 per transaction

These fees help cover SCELC's overhead for licensing, billing, and customer service. More information on these charges are detailed in the SCELC Guidelines.

What are your responsibilities?

Although SCELC manages vendor payment and license negotiation, you have responsibilities as a TexShare/SCELC Affiliate. You will be expected to:

  • Pay your SCELC invoices in accordance with procedures in the SCELC Guidelines.
  • Notify SCELC of any changes to your library's IP range, points of contact, or other appropriate institutional information.;
  • Work with your IT department as necessary to ensure that SCELC licensed resources are accessible within your institution.
  • Inform your staff and patrons about the availability and use of SCELC licensed resources.

Can you become a SCELC member on your own?

SCELC Members pay annual dues of $750, but are not charged Affiliate Transaction Fees. If your institution is a non-profit, private academic institution and you are charged more than $750 in Affiliate Transaction fees in any given year, you may find it beneficial to apply for SCELC Membership. For more information see Join SCELC.

More information about the TexShare/SCELC Partner Program

For more information about this program, please visit the TexShare Program website or contact SCELC.