FAQs from Vendors
See also: Answers to FAQs
Some answers to frequently asked questions from vendors.
- How is the ERA Product Panel selected?
- We’re interested in offering our products through ERA, how can we become involved?
- How can we best approach the different Australian library sectors for business?
- Is there a current database of Australian libraries that might be available to us?
- Can other vendors see the competitive pricing?
- Can we use the ERA logo on our website and in promotions?
- What are "Product Polls"?
- Which Australian libraries are taking their subscriptions through ERA?
- What help can ERA provide in terms of subscription set-ups?
- What are the vendor reporting requirements for ERA subscriptions?
- How can I keep up with ERA developments?
QUESTION: How is the ERA Product Panel selected?
ANSWER: The first panel of nine products was selected through an opentender (NLA RFT 06/044) process in 2007 and subscription terms were negotiated on behalf of Australian libraries in Head Deed agreements that ran for two years. In 2009 the Product Panel was expanded to 25 products through another open tender (NLA RFT 08/093) process. These products are now offered on an opt-in / opt-out basis with subscriptions run by direct arrangement between the subscribing library and vendor in accordance to Head Deed agreements which have an initial term of two years.
QUESTION: We’re interested in offering our products through ERA, how can we become involved?
ANSWER: Interested vendors were offered the opportunity to register for inclusion in a multi-use list of pre-qualified suppliers through the procurement process to select the current Product Panel and the first multi-use list was established in February 2009 (more information relating to multi-use lists can be found at https://www.tenders.gov.au/?event=public.MUL.list.).
It is intended that the multi-use list will be used by the National Library of Australia to seek submissions for specific services from either all, or specific, members of the multi-use list in the future. The Library does not intend to regularly re-establish the list once created; members will remain on the list. A request for application will however be published annually on AusTender to provide an opportunity for new potential suppliers to apply for inclusion or existing members to modify their e-resources or product packages. The Library will also review its product offerings annually and as a result may approach vendors on the multi-use list for new products for the ERA Product Panel.
QUESTION: How can we best approach the different Australian library sectors for business?
ANSWER: The ERA Executive Committee will be drawn from key sectoral groups and is intended to represent the interests of the Australian libraries and members.
Vendors are encouraged to work with the Australian library community to promote ERA. Links to key sectoral groups are provided below: these sites themselves offer a wide range of opportunities to network within each community.
- Australian Library & Information Association (ALIA)
- Australian School Library Association (ASLA)
- Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL)
- National & State Libraries Australasia (NSLA)
- Public Libraries Australia (PLA)
- TAFE Libraries Australia
- Australian & New Zealand Chapter of the Special Libraries Association (SLA-ANZ)
- Australian Libraries in the Emergency Sector (ALIES)
- Australian Government Libraries Information Network (AGLIN)
- Health Libraries Australia (HLA)
- Public Libraries NSW – Country (PLNSW-C)
- Public Libraries NSW – Metropolitan (PLNSW-M)
QUESTION: Is there a current database of Australian libraries that might be available to us?
ANSWER: We recommend two freely available services: Libraries Australia and the Australian Libraries Gateway (ALG).
Libraries Australia, the Australian National Bibliographic Database, includes holdings information for participating libraries and ALG is straight Australian library directory information which the listed libraries maintain themselves. The latter is searchable by name, location and library sector.
QUESTION: Can other vendors see the competitive pricing?
ANSWER: No – all pricing provided by ERA vendors is treated as “commercial-in-confidence”. By arrangement with ERA vendors the pricing is only available to interested Australian libraries via password protected PDF files that can be accessed on the ERA website. Libraries can only obtain a password from the National Library by proving their affiliation with an Australian library and agreeing not to divulge to any third parties.
QUESTION: Can we use the ERA logo on our website and in promotions?
ANSWER: No problem at all: we're very glad for vendors to be referencing the ERA "brand" and website. There are a selection of logos available for you to choose from - please follow the links from http://era.nla.gov.au/about/logos.html. We'd be interested to see any web pages you post information about ERA to.
QUESTION: What are "Product Polls"?
Because library pick-up hasa bearing on price of many resources on the ERA Product List, we're asking libraries to let us know their interest via a Product Poll. As libraries nominate their interest through the annual online Product Poll, we are able to publish the results (i.e. number of libraries, per state/territory and sector interested in each product). We believe that this will be a useful tool for libraries as well as vendors.
QUESTION: Which Australian libraries are taking their subscriptions through ERA?
ANSWER: All participating libraries are listed on the ERA website, with direct links through to online directory information for each wherever possible. We believe that this offers vendors the opportunity to learn more about their customers, identify areas of potential market growth, or just check out what the ‘competition’ is doing!
To gauge the level of library interest in products, per sector and state/territory, have a look at the current product polls from within each product profile.
Libraries purchasing through ERA will also be able to flag this within their directory details on the Australian Libraries Gateway (ALG - refer to listed 'Related organisations').
QUESTION: What help can ERA provide in terms of subscription set-ups?
ANSWER: To help vendors gather the information they need to establish subscriptions for Australian libraries wishing to purchase through ERA, we’re happy to link from participating vendor profiles to online forms, or else host forms for download. This way you receive all the information you need, directly from your Australian customers.
Please check your vendor profile on the ERA website and advise us of any changes required.
QUESTION: What are the vendor reporting requirements for ERA subscriptions?
ANSWER: Under the terms of the Head Deed agreements between participating vendors and the NLA, the ERA Executive Officer expects six monthly reports on:
- Monthly reports on Australian library uptake of subscription products by name and type of library per state and territory; and
- Six monthly reports providing notice of upcoming enhancements, highlighting any changes or improvements to the Electronic Resource/s over the previous six month period, details of any increase in Australian content and any activities undertaken (or proposed to be undertaken) to promote Electronic Resources Australia.
Product usage statistics reports may also be required from time to time.
QUESTION: How can I keep up with ERA developments?
ANSWER: The ‘For Vendors’ area of our website is specifically for vendors and includes a closed wiki for participating vendors. Feel free to also contact the ERA Executive Officer directly, or talk to a member of the ERA Executive Committee.
The closed ERAvendors-L listserv is available for participating vendors and will be a key communication tool. A wikispace is also available for use by participating vendors.
ERAlibraries-L is an open listserv for all Australian libraries and will be a key communication tool for Electronic Resources Australia. This list is not open to vendors.

