Vendors could play a significant role in helping to create OA metadata
via the cataloging records for their content. While it is unlikely
that they would release cataloging records directly as OA metadata
due to current contracts and licensing practices, libraries that purchased
the records could possibly release them as OA metadata, subject
to negotiations over licensing agreements. Vendors may have
contracts that restrict the use or sharing of the records by libraries,
which would need to be addressed. The probability of vendors collaborating
with libraries to provide OA metadata depends on a number
of factors: the particular vendor, librarians' demand for high quality,
full-level records, and the success and prestige of OA metadata itself.
Libraries account for a majority of vendors' business, giving librarians
leverage for demanding high-quality, full-level cataloging records.
This could be achieved if vendors hired professional catalogers on
staff, instead. Since cataloging records accompany vendor e-resources,