The CPC's framework agreement for Library Resources provides members with a full suite of library products and services across four separate lots. The framework agreement includes:

  • Academic books from a range of publishers (from early years to KS4 and HE)
  • Shelf-ready book services
  • Professional books and publications
  • Learning aids
  • eBooks
  • Newspaper, journal, periodical subscriptions
  • Consolidation services
  • Library discovery tools and services, including search functionality, database provision, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), web resources, publisher packages, catalogue records, and electronic and print resources

 

Members looking to acquire books & eBooks should be sure to include ISBN numbers (or a year of publication) in order to assist suppliers with obtaining pricing. It is also recommended that members detail where they require books processing so that bids offered by suppliers include all relevant cost breakdowns

Key Facts

Start date
9th October 2020
End date
8th October 2024
Department for Education logo

The Department for Education (DfE) recommend this framework to Schools and Academies.

View all DfE Recommended Frameworks

Key Benefits of this Framework

  1. Access to suppliers with their own individual specialisms (HE/Academies, textbooks, professional journals, etc.)
  2. Substantial discounts against Publishers’ list prices
  3. A fast and efficient route to market, with the option for direct purchase without further competition
  4. Full compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations

How can I use this Framework

  • Direct Award (Lots 1-4): The recommendations for direct award have been laid out within the framework user guide. It is suggested that members award on one of the following bases – Overall score awarded at the time of framework tender, or highest discount off publisher’s list prices (in the case of Lots 1-2), or lowest handling fee (in the case of Lot 3). Guidance suggests that this method is best utilised where the members’ requirement is on an urgent, low-value, one-off basis
  • Mini-competition (Lots 1-3): Where a member requires a longer-term, higher value contract that necessitates a well-maintained relationship with the awarded supplier, it is recommended that a mini-competition process is undertaken. A template has been created to assist members with this requirement, however it is very generalised, and members must modify the template to consider their particular needs
Tenet logo

If you require support in running a further competition via this framework, Tenet Services can help. Tenet offer a nationwide service specialising in assisting education establishments to complete further competitions.

Tenet are part of the Crescent Purchasing Group of Companies and operate on a not-for-profit basis.

Go to Tenet Services

Get a Quote

The CPC Quote Tool is free to use for all our members and offers quick, compliant access to all suppliers on our frameworks for purchases that fall below £214,904.

"The Quote Tool was easy to use and time saving, resulting in a straightforward process where we just had to put the details in once and could then use the reputable suppliers already recommended."

Deborah Anderson-Dixon, Finance Manager at Sir William Romney's School

For purchases that exceed £214,904, the CPC Sourcing Cloud is available that complies with the regulations to allow electronic tender returns whilst still being free to use for our members. Find out more about CPC Sourcing Cloud.

Use This Framework

Sign in to your user account to get a quote.

Don't have a user account? If your institution is already a member, you can create your own user account.

Sign up for free and use this framework

You can buy through our frameworks if your institution is a CPC member. It’s free to join if you are from a school, academy, multi-academy trust, college, university or you offer educational services.

CPC is owned by the education sector and our 89 frameworks are designed to save you money whilst being safe, easy to use and compliant. Your CPC membership also provides:

  • One-to-one procurement support
  • Fully funded CPD accredited procurement courses
  • The opportunity to get funding from our charity CPL Group

CPC has over 9000 members, search to see if your institution is already a member. If your institution is not in the list, click the Join CPC today button.

Search to see if your institution is already a member

Associated Documentation

The following documents are associated with this framework. Some are required for successful use of the framework and are clearly marked.

File Details Essential
Library Resouces User GuideThis is required reading if you are considering using this framework. It tells you everything you need to know about the panel of providers, eligibility, running the mini-competition process, and evaluating bids. YesDownload
Mini Competition TemplateThe attached “Invitation to Mini Competition” template document should assist you with running your further competition and once completed should be sent to all suppliers on the framework. YesDownload
Mini Competition ChecklistIt is recommended that members utilise this checklist when undertaking a mini-competition process to maximise the likelihood of obtaining a satisfactory quantity and quality of bid responses from suppliers YesDownload
Pre-Tender Warm Up LetterIt is recommended best practice to warm up the market in advance of your mini-competition process. Once completed, members can attach this document to a request for quotation in order to contact potential suppliers. YesDownload
Direct Award Notification FormThis document should be utilised if you are seeking to direct award through this framework. All highlighted information within the call-off conditions should be completed, and the documents should be sent to the relevant persons as detailed in the notification document. YesDownload

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Contract Manager

The contracting authority for this framework is Crescent Purchasing Consortium.

Lisa O'Shea

  • Name: Lisa O'Shea
  • Tel: 0161 974 0947
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Chat with our helpdesk: Live Chat