There is now a need to undertake a full procurement for a replacement reading list software for the University's service Resource Lists @ Edinburgh, as the market for this type of product is now more mature meaning there is a wider choice of products and suppliers.

The University’s licence for the Talis Aspire reading list system expires in 2017, and has already been extended once using a Non Competitive Action (NCA).

Opportunity: the current contract does not require that the system integrates service workflow tasks with the Alma LMP; the re-tender presents an opportunity to include this as a requirement, which would result in major efficiencies (for example, as titles are added to lists links to the electronic copies and shelfmark information for print materials are created automatically – removing the need for multiple data entry activities).

Without going out to tender, the system contract would lapse and the service would cease. Guidance from the Procurement Office is that a full tender is required.