Published
By Ashley Cox
If you bookmarked our previous Library Resources agreement, you might be pleased to learn that an updated and expanded iteration is now available for CPC members to use.
Our re-tendered Library Resources, Software and Associated Services procurement framework is divided into four distinct lots, which collectively cover the compliant provision of the following sub-categories:
Physical Print & Alternative Format Library Books
Physical Print & Alternative Format Library eBooks
Journal & Periodical Subscription Services
Library Software
Due to its establishment in October 2024 preceding the working arrival of the new Procurement Act regulations, this framework will be governed by the existing Public Contract Regulations 2015 for the entirety of its scheduled lifespan.
This means members in search of new library and related resources can approach this framework at their relative leisure, knowing the rules used to govern public procurement by way of this specific agreement will remain as currently in place.
The new Library Resources, Software and Associated Services framework will be live for use through to 8th October 2026.
With the option of a further two-year extension period, this compliant purchasing agreement integrates resellers, aggregators and developers of software, enabling CPC members to discover new opportunities for innovation, plus the related benefits.
The refreshed agreement carries over a large range of provisions offered previously by the deposed framework, including academic texts for various age ranges, learning aids, newspaper subscriptions and shelf-ready book service offerings.
Excitingly, the updated framework has widened its scope to include even more library-centric resources, with approved providers able to supply audio-based solutions and alternative format options also accessible.
Moreover, the inclusion of software as a headline feature is hoped to illustrate how the coverage of this framework stretches way beyond traditional library book-based provision, underlining options for a truly diverse variety of learners.
Our framework re-tender has furthermore allowed CPC to ensure we have a fitting cohort of providers in place across each lot.
As is standard for CPC’s procurement frameworks, our registered members can benefit from a quicker and simpler route to market, with a choice of suppliers already vetted for their capability and credibility, removing much of the initial legwork.
Procuring through a CPC agreement also allows contracting institutions to make use of several helpful resources, from the support and assistance of a professional Contract Manager to framework-focused user guide literature, while our integrated online CPC Quote Tool provides a free and helpful starting point for members to explore options (our CPC Sourcing Cloud is accessible as well, for those with higher value requirements).
With mini competition and direct award possibilities at members’ disposal, depending on the nature and circumstances of the proposed purchase(s), users of this framework might also be happy to know that spend accrued will ultimately help CPC bolster the coffers of our Giving Back programme; an initiative that reinvests funds into the UK education sector from our surpluses and places its current focus on SEND support, as well as addressing absenteeism and enhancing wellbeing.
An expansive selection of what Library Resources, Software and Associated Services may be able to offer your institution can be found via its dedicated framework page, with members in search of extra information, or looking to field any queries, encouraged to contact Senior Procurement Officer, Rezia Begum, who is overseeing this agreement.