NASIG 2026

There is an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem of independent films growing every day. For libraries, it can be difficult to navigate how to reach out to an independent filmmaker to get a film from their hard drive into the library catalog.
Acquiring streaming video from small vendors or directly from independent filmmakers often requires significant front-end work by libraries. Navigating how to initiate contact, negotiate terms, and move a film from a creator’s hard drive into the library catalog can be complex and time-consuming. To streamline this process, libraries must clearly identify their expectations around licensing, access, and permitted uses. We must also be prepared to educate vendors and filmmakers who may be unfamiliar with academic libraries. Many creators are eager to make their work available in a university setting but lack guidance on the practical and legal considerations involved.
This session will address common questions, share best practices, and offer strategies for efficiently managing these acquisitions, including how to determine when an acquisition may not be feasible or advisable. It will include examples from my own experience and propose ways in which this work could scale to other libraries

This presentation offers a case study examining the success of a Transformational Agreement with a consortium member. It demonstrates how a structured TA supports institutions by streamlining collections budgets, improving publication workflows, and advancing the Open Access mission of making research more freely available. The presentation provides dual perspectives from both the library and publisher, illustrating how this partnership was built on aligned goals: increasing OA output, strengthening institutional support, and achieving mutual success.