Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a New Integrated Library System (ILS) for the Alameda Free Library. (Library 210)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Elizabeth D. Warmerdam, Interim City Manager
Re: Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a New Integrated Library System (ILS) for the Alameda Free Library
BACKGROUND
The Alameda Free Library, like all modern public libraries, uses Integrated Library Systems (ILS) to run its entire operation. The ILS allows the library to link core functions like acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, online catalog searching, statistical reporting, and processing of records in a single database structure.
Alameda first purchased its ILS in 1992, a Dynix "Classic" system and replaced this legacy system in 2004 with a Dynix "Horizon" system, which uses more current technology, including a graphical user interface and client server features. Since 2004 technology has advanced significantly with systems now moving away from the standard client server environment to ones which make full use of Internet enabled web technology and provide seamless interfaces with e-books and other online resources. The library is in year 11 of the Horizon ILS system and it is time to move to the new technology available in the marketplace. They will provide better public service and more efficient and effective library operations. The replacement is urgent as the library's core server hardware has reached the end of its useful life, so it will be necessary to replace it or find another way to host essential library applications as soon as possible.
DISCUSSION
The library will employ a competitive procurement process for the purchase of a new ILS, inviting proposals from a number of library system vendors in the marketplace. A procurement process was successfully used t...
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