TLC Library Management System, Library App and Library Services Platform

A Tender Notice
by LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON

Source: Find a Tender
Type: Framework (Services)
Duration: 6 year
Value: £11M

Sector: TECHNOLOGY
Published: 16 Jul 2025
Delivery: 01 Apr 2027 to 31 Mar 2033
Deadline: n/a

Concepts

Location

North East England:

Geochart for 1 buyers and 0 suppliers

1 buyer

London Borough of Sutton Sutton

Description

The procurement is being carried by the London Borough of Sutton on behalf of The Library Consortium (TLC). TLC, was originally formed of three authorities in 2004 who came together to share resources and contracts to get the best value for money for customers and their authorities. TLC is a consortium of member authorities. It is not a legal entity. Each member authority takes responsibility for contractual arrangements with Suppliers and providers. TLC members become party to the Consortium's Framework(s) and can order (or 'call-off') the goods, works or services covered by the relevant Framework(s). Framework agreements are set up by public sector bodies with Suppliers to provide goods, works or services according to certain requirements - e.g. price, quality and quantity. For TLC, the Framework is arranged centrally by the London Borough of Sutton for use across the Consortium. At the core of the Consortium is the Library Management System, but the Consortium also procures contracts jointly for stock, transport and digital resources, including eBooks. With 23 local authority members, TLC is one of the largest public library consortia in England, consisting of: > 8.2 million residents > 7.3 million items > 318 libraries The Authority is looking to put in place a framework with a single supplier for a period of 6 years. The requirements include: > Library Management System (LMS) staff functionality - Ease of use, logical LMS system functionality: (1) Allows full functionality/interoperability of systems and stock sharing throughout TLC but enables local autonomy (for example: local fees/charges setting) and local authority branding. (2) A dynamic set of processes that allow full stock sharing and reserving of physical items giving customers an efficient and seamless journey regardless of their main library service provider. System integrations: to work seamlessly with any third party provision required by TLC members (e.g. eStock. Self Access) Library App fully functional and innovative Library app which can be customised and branded at a local level Library Service Platform (Discovery); (1) Innovative "one-stop" digital platform for customers (2) Customisable for each TLC member (3) Satisfies the needs of customers with streamlined access to all library functions and services (events, payments, catalogue searching, account management, etc.) Analytics: A completely flexible analytics interface enabling authorities to create and interrogate any facet(s) of library data they choose Vision: TLC has a constant desire to innovate and push the boundaries of public library provision. All products will need to be continually developed in order to remain relevant and innovative to provide the best outcomes for customers and local authorities Value for money: Value for money and income generation opportunities remain essential.

Award Criteria

Quality	Quality is 60% - broken down as follows: Technical Specification 20% (of 60%) User Experience 30% (of 60%) Implementation and Go Live 20% (of 60%) Vision 30% (of 60%)
Price	Price 40% The weighting for price will not change but the price schedule and the elements contained in the price schedule will be discussed during dialogue. This will include the price banding and the discounts relating to the number of consortium members or other public bodies joining the framework.

CPV Codes

30238000 - Library automation equipment
48160000 - Library software package
72212160 - Library software development services
92511000 - Library services

Legal Justification

The TLC has a proven track record of collaborating with suppliers to enhance its LMS solution and improve customer services. Implementing a new LMS, developing services with suppliers, and realizing the full benefits of investment-including future customer improvements-is a time-consuming process. A four-year framework restricts the potential for all parties within the TLC, including suppliers and customers, to develop and fully achieve the intended service enhancements. Furthermore, service improvements within the framework require compatibility and interoperability between different technologies as new opportunities arise. All parties involved in the framework need sufficient time to ensure a return on their financial and other resource investments. A shorter framework term would also risk disruption to statutory library provision due to the scale and complexity of implementation and transfer of services.