002150 - Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) for the provision of a Library Management System

Description

Durham County Council is continuing its engagement with the market following the initial soft market testing questionnaire issued in August 2024 under reference DN735615 via the NEPO portal, concerning the provision of a new Library Management System. System demonstrations held in November and December 2024 have supported the Council's specification development and strategic planning. While there have been some delays, the project is now progressing at pace. The Council is seeking further preliminary engagement from suppliers to explore potential additional services that could be incorporated into any future tendering opportunity. While the Council's previous engagements have confirmed that the majority of requirements for School Library Services can be met by standard off-the-shelf Library Management Systems without the need for bespoke development, there remain a number of specific requirements that have not yet been fully explored. The Council is therefore undertaking a deeper review focused on these areas to determine whether they can be fulfilled through existing system capabilities, general configuration, or integration with third-party solutions. This further engagement will help inform the most appropriate route forward for any future procurement activity.