In partnership with several publishers and EBSCO, MCLS has begun using a new agent module in ConsortiaManager. This module relates only to journal agreements that offer EBSCO billing as an option, which include: Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Sage, Springer Nature, and Wiley. We are rolling out use of the agent module in a phased approach starting with the Cambridge University Press Open Access Agreement. A user guide with instructions is sent with the renewal notice.  

What’s different for libraries? Utilizing this module will improve visibility of pricing and workflows for members who wish to use EBSCO Billing. You will see the option to select EBSCO as a billing agent in applicable agreements. When you select this option, MCLS will invoice your library for our administrative fee, and EBSCO will invoice you for the cost of the journal package. MCLS still negotiates the license and manages the renewals. EBSCO provides invoicing services and offers libraries the following benefits: 

• LINKING YOUR USERS TO CONTENT IN E-PACKAGES: EBSCO SmartLinks+™ technology lets users link seamlessly from citations in EBSCOhost® databases to full-text content in your e-packages. 

• PROVIDING ONLINE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS: E-package changes, title list details, customizable reports, timely alerts and more are available through EBSCONET® Subscription Management. 

• MAINTAINING CORRECT TITLE LISTS: Title lists are reconciled and package changes are updated in real time to help you stay in control of licensed titles. EBSCO works with publishers to ensure a correct list of titles for access. 

If you have questions about the agent module, contact services@mcls.org.