Emphasis will be on those ventures that show a ground-breaking application or solution with a level of flexibility and timeliness not typically put forth by dominant publishers of established journals using traditional media. Priority will be given to those potential partners and projects giving economic benefit to customers. Further, the expectation for SPARC-sponsored projects is for a material incremental improvement in addressing the rights and privileges of both authors and users.

Potential partners will be evaluated and selected based upon their standing relative to specific criteria and, if appropriate, the results of negotiation toward an agreement. Potential projects will be considered based upon market need and the likelihood of contributing to the success of SPARC's goals. Since SPARC must allocate its support resources only to those opportunities with solid economic underpinnings, it is keenly interested in the potential partner's ability to attract leading authors, meet its commitments, and achieve financial viability.

Evaluation criteria for potential partners in SPARC's Leading Edge Program include:

1. Contribution to a paradigm shift in technology use, introduction or demonstration of an innovative business model, and/or satisfaction of the information needs of an emerging or fast-growing STM field.
2. Market impact. We are looking for projects that will help create a more competitive environment and expand the dissemination of scientific, technical, or medical research.
3. International perspective.
4. Use of electronic media or technology to reduce cost or otherwise obtain competitive advantage and/or add value for user (if appropriate).
5. Well-defined purpose.
6. Reputation of partner and compatibility of publisher's business practices and values with the interests of libraries.
7. Advancement of library, author, and user interests in matters of intellectual property, usage rights, and archiving.
8. Likelihood of attracting prestigious editors and authors, ensuring content quality and volume.
9. Financial viability of the partner.
10. Capability of partner to manage the project and meet the requirements of the written agreement.

In the course of any negotiations between SPARC and the potential partner, shared data of a proprietary nature will remain the property of the disclosing party and will be kept confidential by the other when marked “Confidential” by the originator.

If you believe your organization may qualify for partnership, contact the SPARC Director with a preliminary proposal that describes your venture and how it addresses the criteria above.

SPARC reserves the right to determine at its sole discretion the appropriateness and eligibility of any party as a potential SPARC Partner. Any partnership or other relationship that may be established must be governed by a written agreement.