Sample interview questions: Can you provide an example of a time when you negotiated a favorable licensing agreement or vendor contract?
Sample answer:
During my tenure as the Academic Librarian at [University Name], I successfully negotiated a favorable licensing agreement with [Vendor Name] for the acquisition of a comprehensive academic database. The existing agreement was set to expire, and the vendor had proposed a significant increase in the annual licensing fee. I recognized the importance of securing a cost-effective and sustainable solution that would continue to provide access to essential research resources for our faculty and students.
To prepare for the negotiation, I conducted thorough research on the market value of the database, analyzed usage statistics, and gathered feedback from faculty and students regarding their satisfaction with the resource. Armed with this information, I approached the vendor with a well-reasoned proposal for a revised licensing agreement.
During the negotiation, I emphasized the value that the database brought to the university community and highlighted the university’s commitment to providing equitable access to scholarly information. I also expressed our willingness to explore alternative pricing models that could accommodate our budgetary constraints.
The vendor initially resisted our proposed terms, but through skillful negotiation and a collaborative spirit, we were able to find common ground. I secured a … Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_4/Academic%20Librarian