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Removing Content

Understanding the Withdrawal Process and User Access

This guide details the two methods for withdrawing titles from the Perlego library and explains the difference between a standard content withdrawal and a required "hard withdrawal."

What do mean by "Withdrawal"?

Withdrawal refers to the process of removing a title from the Perlego platform, initiated by submitting a metadata update with a specific withdrawal code (e.g., ONIX code 05 or Excel code 5).

Perlego recognizes two main types of withdrawal, which determine user access:

  • Standard Withdrawal (Soft Withdrawal): The book is made unavailable to new users. Existing users who have an active subscription retain access to the title until their current subscription ends. This is the default process for standard content removal.

  • Hard Withdrawal: The book is removed from the platform and made inaccessible to all users, including those with active subscriptions. This method is typically reserved for critical situations, such as rights issues, and requires direct contact with the Perlego Distribution team after the metadata update is submitted. A 30-day notice period is provided to existing readers.

When a book is marked for hard withdrawal, a user would see the following flag:

Screenshot 2024-01-24 at 09.56.41

The Withdrawal Process

1. Initiating Content Withdrawal

To remove content from the Perlego library, you must submit an updated metadata file (ONIX or Excel Template) that indicates the content is no longer available for new subscriptions.

  • Metadata Instruction: You must use the relevant Notification Type or Availability Code to signal the withdrawal.

    • ONIX Notification Type: Set the code to 05 (Delete / Withdraw from sale).

    • Excel Template Notification Type: Set the code to 5 (Withdraw/remove a book on Perlego).

Reference: For step-by-step instructions on updating metadata, please refer to: How to Use the Perlego Metadata Excel Template.

2. Standard Content Withdrawal (Soft Withdrawal)

This is the process used in the majority of content removal cases where the withdrawal is initiated for standard reasons such as the title being out-of-print.

  • Impact on Users: Withdrawn titles will not be available to new users or to users who subscribe or re-subscribe after the withdrawal has been processed.

  • Active Subscriptions: In most standard cases, titles remain accessible to current users who have an active subscription until that subscription period ends. This ensures continuity of access for readers currently relying on the material.

3. Hard Withdrawal (Immediate Removal for Active Users)

A hard withdrawal is an action reserved for titles that must be removed with short notice from all accounts due to critical issues, most commonly related to rights issues or licensing violations.

  • User Notice: A hard withdrawal allows content to be removed from existing active accounts. Perlego is committed to academic integrity and provides users a 30-day notice period to finish reading the title. However, if the withdrawal is really urgent for legal reasons, we can shorten this time period.

  • Book Page Notification: During this 30-day notice period, a clear withdrawal notice will appear on the book page itself.

Requesting a Hard Withdrawal for Rights Issues

We understand that there are some circumstances where a book needs to come down straight away, for example a legal or end-of rights issue. If this is the case, you just need to let us know.

  1. Submit Standard Metadata Withdrawal: First, submit the standard metadata update (Notification Type 05 / 5) as outlined above.

  2. Contact Our Content Team: Immediately contact our Content team at publishers@perlego.com to request the hard withdrawal.

📧 Action Required: Please make it clear in your email that the title must be removed for users with an active subscription due to a rights issue. The 30-day notice period for existing users will still apply to these titles.