TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Anthony Halstead - Director of Library Services
REPORT BY: Michelle Carreon - Supervising Staff Services Analyst
SUBJECT: Approve Professional Services Agreement No. 260051B with BiblioCommons
RECOMMENDATION
title
Approve and authorize Agreement No. 260051B with BiblioCommons for a term through August 4, 2026 with a contract maximum of $419,580 for a new online library catalog and a fully hosted integrated content management system and webpage builder. (Fiscal Impact: $109,853 Expense; Library Fund; Budgeted; Discretionary)
body
BACKGROUND
The Library undertook an extensive review of the marketplace, including meetings with libraries throughout the country and beyond. Based on these conversations and demonstrations, it was determined that Bibliocommons products for the library catalog discovery layer, which is the interface that the public uses to find materials as well as the Content Management System (CMS) that will be utilized to build a public website, is superior in a number of ways and offers unique functionality. Specifically, the public review and recommendation functionality is the most extensive and utilizes reviews by residents and library staff at a level unrivaled. The item type “roll up,” which links all items of differing media types but same title, is unique in display and functionality. The ease of use, both on desktop and mobile devices, as well American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance better meets the needs of the public and staff.
BiblioWeb subscription gives the library the capability to design an impactful and unique website that integrates with the public catalog. Our library will focus on curating and showcasing all that the library and county has to offer by providing contextual and relevant promotions when a user is searching the catalog.
BiblioCore allows for information to be shared and promote resources such as reading lists, blog posts, programs, other department activities and services and events within the catalog's search results. Just like the discovery experience in the physical library, you can ensure patrons never leave empty-handed when they visit your online library. Example: users searching for books about “dogs” will find books on the subject, but the results could also include currently available dogs at the Animal Shelter. For patrons, this translates to an experience that's not just seamless but also deeply engaging, intuitive, and tailored to their needs. Simultaneously, library staff are equipped with tools that streamline tasks, enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness of library operations.
While BiblioCommons is not the only vendor that provides a discovery layer and webpage builder, BiblioCommons owns the proprietary rights to the BiblioCommons software, a suite of services for public libraries that includes: BiblioCore catalog and BiblioWeb library website and content management system. These services are available exclusively via software as a service (SaaS) through agreements directly with BiblioCommons Corp. and are not available through any reseller. The services can only be purchased through BiblioCommons. The library currently uses Innovative Interfaces catalog discovery layer, which would be replaced by Bibliocommons, therefore the part of the cost of the subscription would be offset by savings from canceling Innovative’s discovery layer service.
Recommended Action:
Approve and authorize Agreement No. 260051B with BiblioCommons for a new online library catalog and a fully hosted integrated content management system and webpage builder for a 1-year contract and up to 4 annual renewals with a contract maximum of $419,580.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
|
Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
|
Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
|
Where is it budgeted? |
The cost of the subscriptions are budgeted in the Library’s General Operations subdivision. |
|
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
|
Discretionary Justification: |
The ability to use a universal navigation across BiblioWeb and BiblioCore, and a single, persistent login for users across both products creating a consistent and easy-to-use patron experience. |
|
Is the general fund affected? |
No |
|
Future fiscal impact: |
The proposed agreement has a 1-year contract and up to 4 annual renewals. The cost will be included in the recommended budget for future fiscal years. |
|
Consequences if not approved: |
The library would not have access to the integrated content management system and webpage builder nor have such an impactful and user-friendly discovery layer system for the library catalog. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.