How long contracts should be kept is a function of statutory limitation
periods. Licences are contracts.

In relation to licences, the normal statutory limitation period of six years
applies. The six year period runs from the date of any alleged breach. In
relation to defunct subscriptions, licences should be kept on file for six
years from the end of the subscription period to which they relate. In
relation to current subscriptions, they remain current, and should be kept
on file; they should be discarded only after six years from the end of any
subscription period for any product to whioch they relate.

The above refers to journals, databases and other subscription-based
products. In relation to outright purchases (i.e. e-journal archives or
e-books that have been purchased), it would be advisable to keep licences on
file for as long as those products remain in the collection, and then for
six years thereafter.


John Cox
Rookwood, Bradden
Towcester NN12 8ED
United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0) 1327 861184
E-mail: [log in to unmask]

 

-----Original Message-----
From: An informal open list set up by UKSG - Connecting the Information
Community [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sally Rimmer
Sent: 12 January 2012 13:14
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [lis-e-resources] Archived Licences for e-resources

Hello,

Over the years we have amassed many years' worth of licences which relate to
current and defunct subscriptions. Does anyone know if there is a legal
requirement as to how long they should be kept?

Thanks

Sally

Sally Rimmer
Library Subscription and Document Delivery Librarian
University of Derby


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UKSG groups also available on Facebook and LinkedIn