SCELC and SPARC Highlight AI Licensing Issues

SCELC Executive Director Teri Oaks Gallaway joined a panel discussion on the topic of AI clauses in licensing agreements. The event was hosted by SPARC last week and featured a panel that highlighted recent vendor attempts at pushing restrictive AI clauses on libraries.

Gallaway discussed the recent statement released by ICOLC on holding the line with publishers with regards to such AI restrictions in license agreements, contending that use of data and research with AI in the academic arena falls under fair use. Nevertheless, many vendors have added broad restrictions into their licensing agreements.

SCELC, which is an affiliate member of SPARC, opposes such language and is working with our library, consortial and open access partners to raise awareness on this important issue. On May 3rd, the SCELC Board voted to adopt the ICOLC statement.

You can read more about the SPARC discussion on their blog.