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: [log in to unmask] www.kenchadconsulting.com
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: 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
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com