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The list of companies for... 

'systems that would support these functions include but are not limited to:
RFID, library management systems, library automation (including web user
interface), cataloguing systems, collection management systems, leisure
management systems, booking systems (including online booking systems),
allotment administration software, interactive software, translation
software, facilities booking systems'

..are......

# Azeus Systems Limited 

# Bramble.cc Limited

# Capita Group

# Civica UK Limited

# HTK Limited

# Managemycomplaints.com

# SirsiDynix

# Zipporah Ltd

 

I don't see RFID companies in there? I don't know if they made bids to be
included. (I wonder who the 'allotment administration software' vendors are?
). 

 

Some library consortia such as SELMS (based around the Civica Spydus LMS)
and London Libraries Consortium-LLC (based around Axiell Galaxy) already
have framework agreements in place that allow new authorities to join
without going through an EU tender. 

 

Looking at the upcoming  library management system procurements listed  on
the Local Gov Library Technology (LGlibTech) wiki
(http://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/Procurements  ) ---and reckoning there must
be others not on that list --I'd estimate that 15-20% of UK library
authorities are looking to change their library systems..with quite a few
joining consortia. That will inevitably raise issues around interoperability
of RFID systems-something I did point out in my work with Greater
Manchester. 

 

I don't see any mention of the key criteria you mention in the customer
guidance but the guidance does say:

'Each customer (or Customer Group) will need to define their requirement
prior to running a

Further Competition. This may be a technical specification for a specific
system that is required or it may be an

output based specification'.

Ken

Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email:  <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
[log in to unmask]   <http://www.kenchadconsulting.com/>
www.kenchadconsulting.com

Skype: kenchadconsulting   Twitter: @KenChad

Open Library Systems Specifications:   <http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com/>
http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com

 

From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Mick Fortune
Sent: 25 August 2011 14:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: New framework agreement for procurement of Library Systems inc
LMS RFID

 

Hi Ken

 

Yes, I saw this in an announcement from Capita recently. Interesting - and
probably ill thought out stuff.

 

I wondered why they had RFID first in the list.

 

Presumably the framework will include some companies that actually deliver
RFID solutions? None of those you mention do.

 

Sorry to be so parochial (about RFID) but it is rather disheartening to see
yet another framework agreement being issued that almost certainly does not
refer to any of the key criteria that should form part of a successful
implementation - adherence to data standards, open communication between LMS
and RFID, interoperability between RFID systems, integration with LMS etc.
Yet more disappointment and potentially expensive re-investment ahead for
yet more libraries I fear.

 

Still it's great news for Capita, Civica and SD. Less good news for PTFS
Europe, Axiell and the others?

 

.and terrible news for anyone buying RFID.

 

Mick

 

From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Ken Chad
Sent: 25 August 2011 12:01
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: New framework agreement for procurement of Library Systems inc LMS
RFID

 

Quite a few library authorities are looking to change their library systems
and will find the following government announcement relevant:

'Software Application Solutions for Local Government

See  http://www.buyingsolutions.gov.uk/categories/ICT/Software/LGSAS/

 

This new framework agreement is designed to save costs by streamlining the
procurement process by avoiding a costly EU tender. I should also point out
that a further way to reduce procurement costs is to use the UK Core
specification (UKCS) which is now available free of charge on the Open
System Specifications (LibTechRFP) website.
http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com/  

 

The announcement also notes that 'Government Procurement Service is keen to
facilitate any aggregation opportunities that councils have'. Looking at the
Local Government Library Technology wiki (LGLibTech) 'Procurements' page
http://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/Procurements it seems as if quite a few
library authorities are looking to join consortia and develop shared
services. I have just finished working with what will could a very large and
exciting project in Greater Manchester. (http://www.kenchadconsulting.com/) 

 

From the government announcement:

'We are pleased to announce that a new framework designed specifically to
meet the needs of local government is now available.  Local Government
Software Application Solutions provides an efficient and cost effective
route to purchase software that supports the activities of local government
such as planning or social care.  There are 39 suppliers in total ranging
from multi-national to SME organisations, providing services through the
nine Lots of the framework agreement'

 

Library systems are included under the heading:

'Social Care & Education - Libraries, Museums and Leisure related Software
Application Solutions'

 

The definition is as follows:

'Software Application Solutions which specifically enable Local Government
Bodies to deliver their functions in the field of libraries, museums and
leisure. Including: administration and management of enquiries, bookings,
admissions, memberships, buildings and assets. Example systems that would
support these functions include but are not limited to: RFID, library
management systems, library automation (including web user interface),
cataloguing

systems, collection management systems, leisure management systems, booking
systems (including online booking systems), allotment administration
software, interactive software, translation software, facilities booking
systems'.

 

The library system providers named in the agreement are Capita, Civica and
SirsiDynix

 

Ken

Ken Chad Consulting Ltd

Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask]
www.kenchadconsulting.com <http://www.kenchadconsulting.com/> 

Skype: kenchadconsulting  Twitter: @KenChad

Open Library Systems Specifications:  http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
<http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com/>