Appendix A lists the terms relevant to Release 4 of the Code of Practice and provides a definition of each term, along with examples where appropriate. In order to be designated compliant with the COUNTER Code of Practice, vendors must adhere to the definitions provided in Appendix A.
All academic libraries across the world use and trust COUNTER usage reports to inform renewal and new purchasing decisions, to inform faculty about the value of the library and its resources and to understand user behaviour and improve the user experience.
Counter will help publishers and vendors to become compliant. The The Friendly Guide for Providers Release 5 and Technical Notes and will provide the information you will need to start the process. Content providers transitioning from Release 4 to Release 5 compliance will also find transition timeline useful in their planning.
To comply with the Code of Practice, publishers and vendors must be independently audited within six months of signing the Declaration of COUNTER Compliance, and annually thereafter.
There are three approved COUNTER auditors:
COUNTER will also accept an audit by any Chartered Accountant (UK), CPA (USA) or their equivalent elsewhere.