Digital Publications and Services
Framework Description
Digital Publications and Services is a Scotland Excel framework agreement made available to APUC member institutions. It covers the supply of digital reading content across five lots: e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, e-comics and e-newspapers, bought largely by library services. Applications for this framework are closed, and it runs to 31 July 2028, with no extension option.
Context & Use Case
The framework was let mainly for Scotland's council library services, which lend digital content to the public, and colleges and universities can use it for the same kinds of material. Buyers subscribe to lending platforms and content packages so that members can borrow e-books and audiobooks or read magazines and newspapers online.
Scope of Services
E-books E-audiobooks E-magazines E-comics E-newspapers
Lots
E-Books; E-Audiobooks; E-Magazines; E-Comics; E-Newspapers
Who Can Apply
Suits digital content aggregators, lending platform providers and publishers that sell e-books, audiobooks and periodicals to libraries. Applications for this framework are closed, so suppliers not already appointed cannot join until Scotland Excel re-tenders it, likely during 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Libraries need reliable lending platforms, fair licensing models and a broad catalogue. Buying through Scotland Excel gives them agreed licence terms and pricing across councils, and separate lots let a library choose specialist providers for audio, magazines or newspapers rather than taking one bundle.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should promote their catalogues to college and university libraries as well as councils. Others should read the Public Contracts Scotland notice (NOV463937) for the evaluation approach and start preparing licensing, accessibility and usage-reporting evidence for the next Scotland Excel tender in 2028.
How Athena Can Help
Library content tenders are often decided on licensing terms, platform usability and price. Athena's bid writing for content suppliers sets out those strengths clearly and checks the submission against the criteria.
For providers not yet appointed, our framework application team can plan which of the five lots to target and prepare the full application. Our public sector pricing support also helps you model licence pricing that wins and stays profitable.
