Published date: 15 June 2022

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Closing: 8 July 2022, 6pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Library automation equipment - 30238000

  • Library equipment - 39155100

  • Library management system - 48161000

Location of contract

North East

Value of contract

£100,000 to £500,000

Procurement reference

BIP698069396

Published date

15 June 2022

Closing date

8 July 2022

Closing time

6pm

Contract start date

19 December 2022

Contract end date

18 December 2027

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Open procedure

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

The Library has had self-service issue and return in place since the early 2000s and the 10 self-service machines across the City Campus and Coach Lane libraries are almost 15 years old. We are looking to replace this system this year.

Self-service kiosks
Replacement self-service kiosks must maintain and improve on the user experience by being intuitive, simple and quick to use, with the ability to issue or return multiple items simultaneously. A key requirement is flexibility and therefore kiosks need to be freestanding with the ability to be easily relocated as the Library wishes to move away from fixed equipment. If book return bins are not integrated with the kiosks then alternative solutions for the secure return of items will need to be provided. They must also meet accessibility standards including accessible display as well as height adjustability (by Library staff only) or have models available at different heights. The kiosk display must be customisable to reflect the University / Library branding and terminology and be able to communicate high-level messages and signpost users to support.
Although the current smartcard must be compatible with the kiosks the University is currently undertaking identity management work which may result in the use of an alternative solution for user identification.

Digital Library Assistants
Digital Library Assistants (DLAs) must enable the Library's Collections team to carry out physical collection management processes quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of effort at all heights. They must be easily portable, ergonomically designed and able to be reach high and low shelving with a rechargeable battery and a long charge life. They must allow use and data transfer in any location by being Wi-Fi enabled and have a data capacity of no less than 4 MB. They must be compatible with all RFID tags and with all current major LMSs.

Book security panels
The panels must be compatible with the Library's existing gates - Fast Lane Glassgate 350 at City Campus Library and Gunebo at the Law Practice and Coach Lane libraries. Both EM and RFID security should be able to be supported and if this is not possible then the supplier should outline how they will support us during the transition to RFID. Panels at City Campus Library are compatible with both EM and RFID security but are configured for use with EM only, therefore support to reconfigure to RFID will be needed. The panels must not cause interference with any medical equipment that may be worn by staff or students.

More information

Links

Additional text

The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

About the buyer

Contact name

Angelique Borsboom

Address

Sutherland Building
Newcastle
NE1 8ST
UK

Telephone

07429334777

Email

angelique.borsboom@northumbria.ac.uk