LexisNexis and ALM Deepen Ties

LexisNexis and ALM have extended their partnership for another five years. LexisNexis will remain the exclusive non-ALM home for ALM content and looks to be the primary provider for ALM archival content. In addition to access, the agreement also affects customer service and billing operations for some subscribers.

Jean O’Grady has a Q&A with ALM’s Molly Miller here.

Robert Ambrogi discusses the impact of this agreement, including his perspective as a former ALM author/editor here.

Thanks to PinHawk for the alert.

LexisNexis to Decommission Bender.Com

The following message is being posted at the request of LexisNexis.

This week we are announcing the decommissioning of our Bender.com service to any remaining, active customers.

As the legal environment continually changes, in large part due to the rapid evolution of technology, we also routinely review and evaluate our products and services.  Our customers expect the most efficient ways to access the information and analysis they need to effectively represent their clients, organizations or agencies. Therefore, based on a recent review of our electronic and print portfolio, LexisNexis decided to discontinue the Bender.com service.

We recognize this change will cause some organizations to make decisions and transitions. We will support our customer’s through this process and will allow sufficient time for implementation. The decommissioning will be conducted in phases based upon multiple factors including renewal status and appropriate recommended solution.

You can count on us to provide more efficient, intuitive ways to access Matthew Bender content through mobile-friendly means such as the LexisNexis® Digital Library, LexisNexis® eBooks or Lexis Advance®.

LexisNexis is currently reviewing and working with each Bender.com account to recommend the solution that best fits the customer’s needs. We are committed to transforming the way legal professionals conduct research. And we look forward to continuing to work together to develop these services.

Cindy Spohr

Librarian Relations Group

LexisNexis

 

CRIV LexisNexis Digital Library and eBooks Demo

To gain a better understanding of the functionality of the LexisNexis Digital Library and eBooks, members of the CRIV Committee met with LexisNexis earlier this month for a product demonstration. LexisNexis provided an overview and discussed the functionality from user and administrator perspectives. In June, some members of the committee will be participating in a trial of the LexisNexis Digital Library to gain first-hand experience with the product. 
 
You can find an overview of the LexisNexis Digital Library at http://www.lexisnexis.com/documents/pdf/20130524040128_large.pdf, or visit the website at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/lending/.  

If you are interested in a trial of the LexisNexis Digital Library contact your LexisNexis representative. 

LexisNexis Response to April 2013 eBook Questions – Posted on Behalf of LexisNexis

Below is Lexis’ response to the questions posed during the mid-April phone conference with members of CRIV.  CRIV would like to thank Cindy Spohr, Deana Sparling, and Silvian Rosario for taking the time to speak with CRIV and answer the questions below.  If you have questions about how these responses will impact your library, please contact your LexisNexis Representative.  If you have a concern that was not addressed here or in the February response, found here, please email Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair at mcosby@nccu.edu.

——————————————————————————————————————

LexisNexis would like to thank Michelle Cosby and CRIV for the opportunity to continue the conversation on eBooks.  The questions discussed during the recent call and answers to them follow.

For additional information, we recommend you visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/ , where you can access current lists of electronic titles, view an eBook demonstration, and review Frequently Asked Questions.  Additionally, you may find answers to your questions in the terms and conditions (the “Electronic Publications Master Agreement”) related to eBooks (as well as CDs, DVDs, PDFs, flash drives or other publications distributed electronically by LN) located at http://lexisnexis.com/terms/bender/masteragreement/.  We also welcome your questions and suggestions by phone at 800.833.9844 or email to ebooks@lexisnexis.com.

Q: Concerns were raised regarding the administration of eNewsletters and eBooks.

A:  LexisNexis® digital content (eBooks and PDFs) is fulfilled and supported via the LexisNexis download center. This download center can be accessed through our online store. Since its launch in November 2011, we have continuously made incremental updates to improve the download capabilities for our digital content. In summer of 2013, we are planning to significantly enhance the user experience related to the download management process for eMedia.  The planned enhancements will include a self-help portal for administrative staff that will, among other things, allow the admin to change, edit, add and delete email user addresses receiving notifications from the download center. Customers will also be able to view a history of all their eBook purchases in the download center and be able to download any previous newsletter updates they may have missed.

Q: How are customers notified of a change in format for an existing subscription?

A: Newsletters:  When a newsletter format is changed so that it is only available in an eNewsletter (PDF) format, LexisNexis’s process is that customers are notified, individually, with a letter included in the last print shipment. For example, the customer will receive a notification of the format change with the April 2013 print newsletter that the next issue, May 2013, will only be available as an e-newsletter in PDF format. The timing of the notification is dependent on the publication schedule of the newsletter. A complete list of titles in this category is posted to http://www.lexisnexis.com/eBooks.

Print + CD: When a Print + CD title is migrated to a Print + eBook format, LexisNexis’s process for notification is that customers are sent a letter, with the print title, with instructions to download the eBook. Upcoming titles are posted to http://www.lexisnexis.com/eBooks.

Q: Concerns were raised that the list of titles changing to eFormat is not being kept up-to-date.

A:  We aim to post a list of titles earmarked for migration approximately 30 days in advance, as our information allows. We do this through our eBooks site at http://www.lexisnexis.com/eBooks.

 

Q: Concerns were raised that Libraries will be forced to print newsletters at their own expense. 

A: With a single subscription to a newsletter, the library has the right to use the Electronic Publication on a single personal computer, e-reader, tablet, mobile device, or other display device, in the manner described in the Electronic Publications Master Agreement. In addition, one copy can be printed. While there is no requirement that the library make one print out of the newsletter, we do understand that some libraries may elect to do so. 

If a library is interested in lending and sharing capabilities for eBooks and eNewsletters, the LexisNexis® Digital Library can simplify buying, updating and lending.  Find more information on the LexisNexis Digital Library here:  http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/lending/

Q: Concerns were raised that due to the change to eFormat, libraries will need to purchase e-readers.

A: A particular brand of e-reader is not required as programs that act as e-readers are available for computers. For more information, visit the eBook Resource page: http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/resources/.

Q: Concerns were raised regarding highlighting in digital content.

A: The Digital Rights Management (DRM) related to a publication dictates the ability to highlight, share, print, etc. For a single user, single copy subscription, only one user has the right to use the eBook, so only one person can highlight. (However, for libraries permitting access under section 1.3 of the Electronic Publications Master Agreement, the permitted user highlights would be displayed together, much as they would if multiple patrons marked on and highlighted a printed book.) With the LexisNexis® Digital Library, users have the ability to highlight and make notes, which can be saved by the user outside the eBook. These notes and highlights are suppressed when the book is checked back in, so the next user will not see this information and is able to make their own comments and highlights. If the original user checks the eBook out again from the LexisNexis Digital Library he/she will have access to the highlights/notes originally made.

Q: Concerns were raised on electronic invoicing.

A: For some organizations, Lexis Advance® invoices will be sent electronically in summer of 2013. However, the invoice format for print, eBook, eNewsletters is not changing.  You will continue to receive these invoices in print.

 

Q: Can the abbreviations on invoices be more specific?  (The example provided was MA Laws)

A: Within some constraints, we can make adjustments as needed so that the abbreviation is more descriptive.  For the example raised of MA Laws, the abbreviated title on the invoice has been changed to MA Annotated Laws.

 

Q: What action should be taken by subscribers who choose not to accept a change in format for existing subscriptions?

A: Customers who choose to seek a refund or cancel their subscription due to a change in format should call Customer support at 800.833.9844 for options related to their purchase.

A Message From the Chair: LexisNexis eBooks

CRIV is still waiting for Lexis’ response to the questions posed during the phone call in mid-April.  In the meantime, CRIV has scheduled a demo with Lexis in May to become more familiar with how the eBooks Library works so that we can better understand the needs of the AALL Membership.  If your library would like a personalized demo, please contact your Lexis Rep.  Alternatively, Lexis will be offering demos in June.  More information to come on the June demos.

Additionally, CRIV is still soliciting feedback on this issue.  If you have any concerns or suggestions, please email them to Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair at mcosby@nccu.edu.

Thank you,

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

What is the LexisNexis eShift?

LexisNexis has begun to migrate some of its print newsletters and CD-Rom titles to electronic format. Currently, there are 21 newsletters and 24 CD-Rom titles (January and April lists) involved in this migration. Law libraries should be on the lookout for a letter that will be included with the last print copy of the newsletter or CD-Rom. (Note: Our serials coordinator alerted me to the following letter included with our copy of Benedict’s Maritime Bulletin.)

See CRIV Chair Michelle Cosby’s April 19 update for more information on CRIV’s discussions with LexisNexis.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

ACTION REQUIRED
TO CONTINUE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

Dear LexisNexis® Subscriber:

The next release of this publication will be delivered in eBook format via the LexisNexis® Download Center. You will no longer receive the printed version of this publication. Electronic delivery via the LexisNexis Download Center will increase the timeliness and currency of your newsletter subscription, in addition to reducing our impact on the environment.

What do you need to do to ensure your subscription continues?

  1. Visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/eShift and complete the eBook processing form. This information will be used to transfer your subscription to eBook and enable access to the LexisNexis Download Center.

  2. You will then receive an initial email with your username, temporary password and a link to the LexisNexis Download Center. When you arrive at the Download Center for the first time, you will be asked to create a security question. After completing the security question, you will be logged into the Download Center and able to download material.

What should you expect going forward?

After providing an email address for your account, you will receive an email alert from LexisNexis when a new release of the publication becomes available. This email alert will include a link to the LexisNexis Download Center, where you may access the latest edition. To access the PDF, you will need to download Adobe Reader to your computer if you do not already have this program.

Only the latest newsletter issue will be available on the LexisNexis Download Center. You will need to save and archive each edition for quick reference to previous issues. If you miss downloading an earlier release, you may contact Customer Support and ask that a copy be sent to you.

Thank you for choosing LexisNexis products and services. If you have any questions about your subscription, please call us at 800.833.9844, email customer.support@lexisnexis.com or visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/printcdsc.

Note Regarding Reuse Rights: The subscriber to this publication in .pdf form may create a single printout from the delivered .pdf. For additional permissions, please see http://www.lexisnexis.com/terms/copyright-permission-info.aspx. If you would like to purchase additional copies within your subscription, please contact Customer Support.

A Message from the Chair: LexisNexis eBook Talks

Earlier this week, members of CRIV spoke with Cindy Spohr, Deana Sparling, and Silvian Rosario from LexisNexis to further discuss the change in format to eBooks/eNewsletters and invoicing.  CRIV would like to thank LexisNexis for taking the time to talk about these issues.  LexisNexis will be posting an official response to the questions covered during this call, and we will post the response to the CRIV Blog as well as sending it out through our listserv liaisons. 

Additionally, LexisNexis has a few upcoming Lunch & Learn events available for AALL members local to the areas listed where you can learn more about this process.  CRIV will be posting training sessions related to the eBook process and Digital Libraries as they become available.

All Lunch & Learn sessions are 11:45am-1:15pm.  

Chicago:  Thursday, 4/25, LexisNexis, 70 W Madison, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60602.  RSVP to Bridget MacMillan at bridget.macmillan@lexisnexis.com

 

Atlanta:  Thursday, 5/1, Offices of Troutman Sanders, Bank of America Building. 600 Peachtree Street, Suite 5200 Atlanta, GA 30308.  RSVP to Mary Reusch at mary.reusch@lexisnexis.com

 

New York:  Wednesday, May 22, LexisNexis, 125 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10017.  RSVP to Gayle Lynn-Nelson at gayle.lynn-nelson@lexisnexis.com

Thank you,
Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

A Message from the Chair: LexisNexis “ACTION REQUIRED TO CONTINUE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION”

I just wanted to let the AALL Community know that though CRIV has currently been silent on the above issue, we are actively working on it as well as a few other issues of concern that have come about due to the e-format changes.  CRIV has a phone conference scheduled with Lexis next week and we plan to post information by the end of this month or early next month.  If any other issues arise, please remember that you can request assistance by filling out our online form, or by sending me an email at mcosby@nccu.edu

Best,

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

LexisNexis eBook Response – Posted on Behalf of LexisNexis

This message is posted from CRIV on behalf of LexisNexis with regards to eBooks.

LexisNexis® would like to thank Michelle Cosby and CRIV for the opportunity to speak with its members regarding eBooks.  The questions discussed during the call were those identified by CRIV as the ones most frequently asked by the members.  Both the questions and answers to them follow.

For answers to questions not discussed during the call, we recommend you visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/ , where you can access current lists of electronic titles, view an eBook demonstration, and review Frequently Asked Questions.  Additionally, you may find answers to your questions in the terms and conditions (the “Electronic Publications Master Agreement”) related to eBooks (as well as CDs, DVDs, PDFs, flash drives or other offline publications distributed electronically by LN) located at http://lexisnexis.com/terms/bender/masteragreement/.  We also welcome your questions and suggestions by phone at 800.833.9844 or email ebooks@lexisnexis.com

LexisNexis recognizes the important role technology plays in workplace productivity, and our goal is to provide legal professionals effective and efficient research tools, accessible whenever and wherever they need them.  Today’s practitioners are using tablets, smart phones and laptops, and want to incorporate eBooks into their everyday work.

With this in mind, we began our eBook journey in 2009, relying on customer input and feedback to help shape our product strategy and direction.  For example, we heard from our customers that they wanted to be able to choose their own mobile device; as such, we developed our eBooks using the two industry standard file types (epub and mobi), leaving device preference and choice to our customers.  In addition, we heard customers say the eBook needed to mirror the print book as closely as possible to support ease of use and format transition, so we designed our eBooks with this in mind.  We also provide valuable citation links to our Lexis Advance® research system for enhanced understanding of in-depth content.

As knowledge of our eBook collection grew, we began receiving feedback that while individual eBook purchases may be suitable for individual practitioners, librarians need to have greater supervision of collection purchases, lending restrictions, and other important library management issues.  We also heard clearly the imperative that any solution provided should be publisher agnostic, allowing librarians to mirror their print collection in digital format. 

For these reasons, we now offer LexisNexis® Digital Library.  As a part of the LexisNexis Digital Library, LexisNexis is an authorized reseller of the OverDrive® application platform.  Overdrive is a leader in the distribution of eBooks and digital content to public schools and libraries.  The innovative LexisNexis Digital Library offers legal professionals access to a large collection of authoritative legal eBook content on all major mobile devices and desktop platforms. It also enables organizations to share individual eBook titles among multiple users, purchase eBooks centrally and manage their library more efficiently.

eBook Info Site:

1) When will the helpful website be going up?  How will you inform customers when it is available?

This website is available now!  At http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/resources you can access current lists of electronic titles, view an eBook demonstration, and review Frequently Asked Questions.  We also welcome your questions and suggestions by phone at 800.833.9844 or email ebooks@lexisnexis.com.

Information on this website’s availability was communicated in the January edition of the LexisNexis® Information Professional Update, and in the LexisNexis® InfoPro Weekly beginning January 17. We will continue to include reminders on it in certain relevant communications to information professionals throughout the year.

eBook Availability and Content:

2) Is it possible for an eBook to be downloaded to a library computer and be IP authenticated?   If not, will different pricing be available so that a library does not have to participate in eBooks? 

In order to ensure we understand and deliver on your desired user experience, we recommend that you contact your Account Representative or our Customer Service organization to discuss this question further.

3) What hardware is needed to read the eBooks?

 We publish our eBooks in .epub and .mobi formats.  As such, our eBooks are compatible with hardware and software that supports those formats – Mac® and PC laptops, Apple® iPad®, Android® devices, Barnes and Noble NOOK®, Amazon® Kindle®, Sony® Reader and others.  Helpful tips for e-reading applications and software are available at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/.

4) Will patrons have to go to your website to download the eBook?  Will they have to again after an initial download?

You may choose to download an eBook from the LexisNexis® Download Center to a library computer for patrons to access on that computer, pursuant to the Electronic Publications Master Agreement (referenced above). If you need access that is not provided for in the terms in the Electronic Publications Master Agreement, then please contact your Account Representative to see what agreement can be negotiated for that particular publication.

Cataloging/Circulation/Access:

5) What cataloging pieces will be required to describe the eBook? Does it go on the record with the print book?

LexisNexis Digital Library offers high quality, full-text bibliographic records enhanced for eBook catalog holdings.  The OCLC-MARC records include catalog data that is specific to digital media.

LexisNexis eBooks have a unique record versus the print version as the eBooks have unique ISBNs.  This will allow your patrons to more easily find their preferred format.

6) Do we need to adopt the OverDrive program?

No, you are certainly welcome to evaluate other solutions. 

If you are interested in hearing more about the LexisNexis Digital Library, please contact your Account Representative. 

7) What if the library OPAC is not compatible with OverDrive?

We anticipate few compatibility issues, if any, as the communications protocol that OverDrive employs is SIP2, a widely accepted industry standard. The other option available is LDAP, which is also an industry standard.

Should you require certain advanced functionalities, there may be additional OPAC modules required.  We are happy to discuss these with you as you consider implementation.  However it is important to note that an OPAC is not required for implementation of the LexisNexis Digital Library.

8) Does the licensing agreement cause any problems with lending to other libraries?

As with our CD-ROM licenses, our eBook licenses do not permit interlibrary loans.  For more information, please see section 1.3 of the Electronic Publications Master Agreement (referenced above).

9) There has also been concern that eBooks will force libraries to circulate materials that they don’t usually circulate.

LexisNexis Digital Library does not offer “library-only” circulation capabilities comparable in the print world to not allowing reference desk materials to be checked out, for example.  However, in the LexisNexis Digital Library, you can set the lending period for a short time such as a few days. 

Newsletter/Bender.com:

10) Are there plans to make searchable archiving available since these will no longer be available in print?

You can easily archive your older eBooks as your receive current editions, if such archival practices are in accordance with the Electronic Publications Master Agreement (referenced above).   As newer eBook versions will carry the same file name, you can simply rename the old edition file. With respect to eNewsletters, each new issue is being given a new file name, so you can save them without overwriting. 

11) Can I search across LexisNexis eBooks maintained on one device, or within a LexisNexis Digital Library, in a way that is similar to Folio functionality for CD libraries? 

If there is functionality in your e-reader software allowing such searching and the Digital Rights Management for the particular publication allows such searching, then it may be possible.  However, without those conditions, searching is limited to a single title at this time.  We continue to develop and work on CD library migration plans and features.

12) Setting up an account and getting the log-in credentials is time consuming.

We are working to streamline the process. 

13) Concern about passing cost on to the consumer since they will have to print the newsletters to circulate.

While there are costs associated with printing a copy upon receipt, electronic  delivery offers benefits that we believe outweigh the costs for our customers, including shorter delivery time and lower storage costs

General:

14) Will a list of publications that are changing from print/print with CD/CD only to eBook/digital/PDF only be made available?

 See information regarding our eBooks website above.

CRIV Conference Call with LexisNexis on eBook Plans

I would like to thank Cindy Spohr and LexisNexis for taking the time to speak with CRIV regarding their eBook plans.  

CRIV submitted the majority of questions received by AALL members.  Some questions may not appear word for word in the list below, but CRIV tried to convey the essence of each question asked.  The excluded questions dealt with pricing details.  If you have follow up questions regarding your account, please contact your Lexis Representative. 

Below is the list of questions submitted to Lexis.  Lexis will make its own response to these questions, and CRIV will notify AALL members when that response is available.  In the meantime, Lexis has created a website that addresses some of the questions submitted by AALL Members available at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/resources/.  The eBooks FAQ is available at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/questions/.

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

 

EBook Availability and Content:

-Is it possible for an eBook to be downloaded to a library computer and be IP authenticated? If not, will different pricing be available so that a library does not have to participate in eBooks? 

 

-Is the content on the eBook duplicative of the print book or will there be any unique content? Will there be something that explains the content of each eBook?

 

-Will companion eBooks expire at the end of a subscription period, or will LexisNexis customers be able to retain use unless and until they renew a subscription at any time after the expiration?

 

-What hardware is needed to read the e-books? Computer, Nook, Kindle, IPad?

 

-Will patrons have to go to your website to download the book?  Will they have to again after an initial download?

 

Cataloging/Circulation/Access:

-How do we check out an eBook?

 

-Does having the eBook limit circulation abilities?  The CD could circulate to multiple patrons indefinitely.  Some of the eBooks say the code is good for a limited time.

 

What cataloging pieces will be required to describe the e-book? Does it go on the record with the print book?

 

-Do we need to adopt the Overdrive program?

 

-What if the library OPAC is not compatible with Overdrive?

 

-Will eBooks remain in the Lexis Download center?

 

-Will there be a way to allow multiple users to access an eBook at a time?  What if the library subscribes to the title on Lexis.com?

 

 -How will library customers authorize credential users of single-use licenses?

 

-Does the licensing agreement cause any problems with lending to other libraries?

 

-There has also been concern that eBooks will force libraries to circulate materials that they don’t usually circulate.

 

Newsletter/Bender.com:

Are their plans to make searchable archiving available since these will no longer be available in print?

 

-Setting up an account and getting the log-in credentials is time consuming.

 

-Accessing the newsletter from the account requires additional in-house IT support (java plug-ins/disabling script).  Are these one-time changes or every time a newsletter is accessed?

 

-Is it possible for the email alerting customers the newsletter is available to go to multiple email addresses?  There is concern that the newsletter comes out when someone is on leave for an extended amount of time.

 

-Concern about passing cost on to the consumer since they will have to print the newsletters to circulate.

 

-For customers that signed the multi-year agreement for the newsletters, will they have the option of maintaining the same format they agreed to in the contract for the duration of the contract’s term?

 

General:

-When will the helpful website be going up?  How will you inform customers when it is available?

 

-Will a list of publications that are changing from print/print with CD/CD only to eBook/digital/PDF only be made available?

 

-A few academic law librarians have said they have no problem with anything.

 

-The format changes are beneficial to individual customers, but not for libraries as a whole.

 

-Is eBook limited to searching one volume at a time?  Folio allows you to search across multiple treatises.

 

-Can an eBook be place on a library intra-net like SharePoint?

 

– If the eBook is downloaded via Overdrive, do the internal links still go to the Lexis database?

 

-Will LexisNexis clearly and conspicuously identify the last date (month and year) when it has updated any sections of an eBook companion as well as any changes that were made?

 

-Has LexisNexis completed beta testing to ensure the advertised features of the companion eBooks work as advertised?

 

 -What training, if any, does LexisNexis anticipate customers will need to use the companion eBook? Will LexisNexis provide training?

 

-What are the terms of single-use and multiple-use licenses, and why were these not submitted to customers in writing at the time Lexis announced the migration?

 

– In the terms of the annual contracts does LexisNexis has reserved the right to change “companion” formats unilaterally?

 

 -What kinds of confidentiality restrictions, if any, will Lexis add to customer licensing of companion eBooks?

 

 -Will LexisNexis track credentialed use of companion eBooks when evaluating pricing for subscription renewals?

 

 -Why did LexisNexis decide not to seek customer consent in advance, as recommended under Principle 3.1 of the AALL Guide to Fair Business Practices?

 

 -Did LexisNexis anticipate the migration by the time subscribing customers were renewing their subscriptions to the affected titles in 2012? If it did, why did it not notify these customers of the pending change at the time of renewal, as recommended under the “format-change-notice” provision of Principle 2.2(e) of the AALL Guide to Fair Business Practices?

 

-Will LexisNexis notify subscribers of an option to cancel affected, “standing order” subscriptions, and claim any applicable, pro-rated reimbursement, if the subscribers find that they do not want or cannot use the eBook supplements? 

Matthew Bender closing its doors

Albany-based legal publisher Matthew Bender announced Tuesday that it is closing its doors. The company’s owner, LexisNexis, will start layoffs at the 1275 Broadway office starting in mid-April and eventually shutter its offices by the end of 2014, eliminating 220 jobs, according to a noticed filed with the state Labor Department. Employees were notified on Tuesday.

See this article from the Albany Times-Union.

http://tinyurl.com/b5nqbng

PLC to ThomsonReuters; Knowledge Mosaic to LexisNexis

In a January 3 press release circulated to Knowledge Mosaic customers, it was announced the company was acquired by LexisNexis. Knowledge Mosaic content is to appear in LexisAdvance, but Knowledge Mosaic is to continue as a standalone platform for the near future. See coverage at 3 Geeks.

Thomson Reuters has acquired Practical Law Company. There is no word yet of how their respective products may be integrated. Here is the press release from Thomson Reuters.

LexisNexis and e-books Follow Up

CRIV will be having a conference call next month with LexisNexis Representatives to further discuss librarian concerns revolving around the change to the e-book format.  If you have additional questions that you would like to ask regarding this change, please email your questions to Michelle Cosby at mcosby@nccu.edu by Friday January 4, 2013.  I will compile a list of questions and the answers will be posted shortly after the call.  Please check back to CRIV Blog or watch your listservs for this information.

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

Request for Assistance Update: Change in format from CDs to E-books – LexisNexis

CRIV received a request for assistance from several County Law Librarians regarding the change LexisNexis made from including CDs to including E-books as the accompanying format with purchased print books, the lack of notice in the change, and how to implement this change in the library.  CRIV contacted Cindy Spohr, Senior Librarian Relations Manager at LexisNexis.  Below is the response.

Since our recent shipment of the Ohio Criminal Law Handbook, we have heard from several librarians who expressed concerns regarding the replacement of the CD-ROM companion version with an eBook.  We take your comments and concerns seriously.

Please accept our apologies for not sharing our strategy with you in advance.  We appreciate the responsibility you have for your libraries’ patrons, and understand the burden that supporting an unanticipated change in format will cause.  We are committed to avoiding such an omission in the future.

We continually evaluate electronic formats which will best meet customer needs as the Legal Publishing industry continues to evolve.  In this instance, eBook technology provides superior capabilities in portability, readability, and eReader functionality (such as highlighting and annotations).  Because of these advantages, LexisNexis plans to migrate our titles with accompanying CD products to eBook companions over the next 18 months.  Additionally, selected newsletter titles are being transitioned to eBook (PDF) only to significantly improve timeliness and reduce paper consumption.

Please be assured that in utilizing eBooks, you have the same latitude for patron usage as you have had with CDs.  Namely, each are licensed for single installations or installation on a shared device for one patron at a time.  Additionally, multi-user solutions for both licensing and distribution are available for libraries that require broader circulation.  We encourage library customers to contact our customer support organization so that we can deliver a solution that best suits your specific situation.

We will also launch a website which will contain a vast array of resources to aid you and your patrons on leveraging eBooks for optimal advantage.  Please be on the lookout for our announcement when the site launches.

Finally, as we move away from older technologies such as CDs, we want your feedback on the instructions, user experience, and communications you desire regarding our eBooks to best support your patrons.  Please do not hesitate to contact us via Customer Support (customer.support@lexisnexis.com or 800.833.9844) or through your Print Customer Representative.

Thank you to Cindy for her assistance in this matter.

If you have a similar issue or any issue that CRIV can assist with, please use our Request for Assistance form available at http://aallnet.org/main-menu/Advocacy/vendorrelations/request-assistance.html.

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair