Software package and information systems

Tender description

An upgrade of the University's current Library Management System, Ex Libris, for up to 3 years for the upgrade and maintenance of its current library management system (LMS) to Ex Libris, a specialist in software for the library sector. The University intends to award a contract for up to three years for the upgrade and maintenance of its current library management system (LMS) to Ex Libris, a specialist in software for the library sector. This will upgrade from Ex Libris's Aleph, SFX, MetaLib and Verde products to their Alma product, thus reducing the need for multiple products. This system is owned, supplied and supported exclusively by Ex Libris. The current library management system, Aleph, is already integrated with Campus Solutions at UNNC and UNMC and a different system (with different technical architecture) would mean considerable additional development effort. Ex Libris are the only supplier who have an existing data centre in China and a proven support model for global campus operation. The implementation plan for the global solution shall commence in August 2018. The existing version of the system is several years old, meaning that the upgrade process will be overly complex and beyond the capability of the institution. As Ex Libris is the developer of the software, it is envisaged that this upgrade will be executed with minimal risk of technical failure and data and process migration for internal staff will be significantly reduced in a global environment. As alternate system would present significant financial, technical, quality and reputational risks for the University that could not be mitigated against. The Global reach is essential and the feasibility or ability to change is restricted by Suppliers who can promote the Global need and therefore when considering the relative benefit, the cost would outweigh the advantage that might accrue. Thus for reasons of timescale and staff capacity alongside core business activity, the only viable option is an upgrade through Ex Libris.