Springer Nature provides eBooks through a range of licensing models. These models determine how content is accessed, what is included, and which metadata files apply. A key goal of this article is to help you identify your library’s licensing model based on the wording used in your licence agreement or invoice.
At a glance:
| If you see this in your licence/invoice | You have this licensing model | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| eBColl [Subject] R0 | eBook collection (without reference works) | Standard subject collection of eBooks with continuing access |
| eBook Package – [Subject] Legacy collections / Legacy ebook packages | eBook collection (with reference works) eBook collection (with reference works) | Collection including both eBooks and reference content Same as above, may also refer to older collections no longer expanded |
| RefMod [Subject] | Reference Module | Package of reference content (mixed access and continuing access) |
| [Series name] (e.g. Lecture Notes in…) | Book series | Ongoing series licensed by copyright year |
| Proceedings / Springer Nature Proceedings | Proceedings package | Conference content licensed as a dedicated package |
| Single eBooks / Single titles | Single title eBooks | Individual titles licensed separately |
How to identify your licensing model
The most reliable way to identify your eBook licensing model is to check your licence agreement or invoice.
Look for the following terms and naming patterns:
Collections (eBook collections)
- eBColl [Subject] R0 → eBook collection without reference works (current standard)
- eBook Package – [Subject] → eBook collection with reference works
- Legacy collections / Legacy eBook packages → Also refer to collections with reference works (may also refer to older collections that are no longer expanded with newly published titles)
Reference modules
- RefMod [Subject] → Reference Module (licensed package of reference content)
Additional reference content
- SprRef – [Subject] → Living references (access-only, always listed separately)
Series and proceedings
- [Series name] (e.g. Lecture Notes in Computer Science) → Book series
- Proceedings / Springer Nature Proceedings / Computer Science Proceedings → Proceedings
Single titles
- Single eBooks / Single titles → Individual eBook titles licensed separately
Additional naming patterns you may see
- R0 → No reference works included
- Frontlist (year) → Current copyright year
- Archive / Backlist / Year sets → Older content grouped by year
Examples
- eBColl Biomedical & Life Scs R0
- eBook Package – Economics and Finance
- RefMod Computer Science & Engineering
- SprRef – Mathematics
If you are unsure how to interpret the naming in your licence or invoice, contact customer service.
Why licensing models matter
Your eBook licensing model determines:
- Which titles your users can access
- Whether access is temporary or continuing
- Which MARC records and KBART title lists apply
- How content appears in your holdings
eBook collections (subject collections / packages)
What it is
A large set of eBooks grouped by subject and copyright year.
Also known as
- eBook collections
- eBook subject collections
- Collection packages
- eBook packages
Collections without reference works (R0 collections)
These are the current standard collections.
Key characteristics
- Do not include reference content
- Include monographs, textbooks, proceedings, and other book types
- Typically licensed by copyright year
- Provide continuing access
Licence / invoice naming examples
- eBColl Chemistry & Material Sc R0
- eBColl Medicine R0
Collections with reference works
Also known as
- Legacy collections
- Legacy eBook packages
Important note on “legacy”
The term “legacy” is used in two ways:
- As a synonym for collections with reference works
- For specific older collections that are no longer expanded with newly published titles
Key characteristics
- Include reference content alongside other eBooks
- Typically provide continuing access
- May include additional reference content licensed separately (e.g. living references)
Licence / invoice naming example
- eBook Package – Chemistry & Material Science
Archive structure
- Licensed by copyright year
- Older content may be grouped into archive copyright year sets
Reference modules
What it is
A licensing model that provides access to curated packages of reference content.
Also known as
- Reference modules
- RefMod (in licences and invoices)
Licence / invoice naming examples
- RefMod Biomedical & Life Scs
- RefMod Computer Science & Engineering
Key characteristics
- Provide access to subject-specific reference content packages
- Include a mix of:
- Continuously updated content (access-only)
- Static reference content (with continuing access options)
- Available as:
- Access-only
- Or with continuing access to static content
Book series
What it is
A licensing model for ongoing academic book series.
Key characteristics
- Covers series content by copyright year (frontlist)
- May include access to earlier volumes depending on the agreement
Proceedings packages
What it is
A licensing model specifically for proceedings content.
Key characteristics
- Covers content classified as “Proceedings”
- May include:
- Continuing access to current year content
- Access to backfile content during the licence term
Single eBooks
What it is
Licensing individual eBook titles for institutional access.
Also known as
- Single title eBooks
- Single titles
Key characteristics
- Flexible, title-by-title licensing
- Provides continuing access
- Not all content types are available via this model
How to license
Single eBooks are best licensed via the Librarian Portal.
Using this information: Once you know your licensing model, you can:
- Download the correct MARC records
- Select the appropriate KBART title lists
- Configure your discovery systems
- Interpret your holdings and access correctly