| Previous by Date |
Index by Date
Threaded Index |
Next by Date |
|---|---|---|
| Previous by Thread | Next by Thread |
Changing the Contract
For the past 5 years I have had several occasions to make changes in contracts while managing the Business & Technology Department at Seattle Public Library. In every case, I found it helpful to talk through the issues carefully with our vendor's representative, and make it clear what service or financial goal(s) I was addressing with the changes. It was also helpful to talk about our long-term working relationship, and how the cooperation of the rep with us would build business, rather than kill it. A very typical example was contract language from Dun & Bradstreet requiring us to return our leased copies of one year before receiving the subsequent edition. Over several years, I worked closely with our rep on this matter, because retention of archival copies had been negotiated by a previous manager to me. In signing contracts, after having talked it through, I crossed out the non-applicable word or phrase, handwriting in, where necessary, our changes. With at least 4 major publishers, I also had intense but useful discussions in the Publishers' Forums and Business Reference materials' colloquiums sponsored by BRASS within ALA. Particularly at the Midwinter sessions, the business publishing houses make a point to have senior level editors and/or executives present to exchange ideas and points of view with information professionals. The negotiation of specific changes and modifications were encouraged by these senior level executives from major publishing houses. I have just moved to a new job here at Seattle Public, and have pursued this same contract modification on a contract just sent to Moody's. My experience was that initial e-mail "promos" from my rep were important to retain. When last-minute changes were proposed, I referred to that language as the "offer" I had been negotiating, and that I was not prepared to renegotiate a figure twice the original amount. After a day or two, I received the message that the company would indeed keep its word. Apparently, they want to continue a successful long-term business relationship. Anne Thatcher ~~~~~~~ Manager, General Information & Referral Department ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Seattle Public Library ph 206/386-4687 fax 206/386-4685
|
http://www.library.yale.edu/liblicense © 1996, 1997 Yale University Library |
Please read our Disclaimer E-mail us with feedback |
|