eBooks, eBook Collections and eTextbooks
Framework Description
eBooks, eBook Collections and eTextbooks is an APUC framework for university and college libraries buying digital books. It has five lots, covering title-by-title and collection purchases, access through third-party platforms, aggregated subscription packages and eTextbooks. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and it ends on 14 June 2028 with an option to extend by 24 months to 14 June 2030.
Context & Use Case
Library acquisitions teams use it to buy individual titles for reading lists, subscribe to aggregated packages and license eTextbooks for courses where every student needs access. The third-party platform lot covers content accessed through aggregator platforms rather than publishers' own. It complements APUC's publisher-specific SHEDL agreements, so libraries can combine consortium deals with title-level buying.
Scope of Services
Title by Title purchase and Collections Title by Title and Collections (Access on a Third Party Platform) Aggregated subscriptions packages E-Textbooks E-Books and E-Textbooks (Title by Title & Collections)
Lots
Title by Title purchase and Collections; Title by Title and Collections (Access on a Third Party Platform); Aggregated subscriptions packages; E-Textbooks; E-Books and E-Textbooks (Title by Title & Collections)
Who Can Apply
Applications for this framework are closed; publishers, aggregators and library suppliers not appointed cannot join before 14 June 2028, or 14 June 2030 if extended. Suppliers should use the time to build evidence for the lot that fits their model, from single-title supply to aggregated packages.
Buyer Benefits
Libraries want flexible purchasing models, fair licence terms for multiple users, and access to eTextbooks for whole course cohorts. Distinct lots let them choose the right model for each need, at prices agreed across APUC's members, without running a separate tender for each format or platform.
Next Steps
Read the APUC notice on Public Contracts Scotland (DEC545676) to see how the lots were evaluated. Appointed suppliers should work with acquisitions teams on reading-list and eTextbook needs. Others should prepare for the re-tender, gathering usage reporting, accessibility and licensing evidence and higher education library references.
How Athena Can Help
Library content frameworks reward suppliers who explain licensing and access clearly. Athena's framework planning support keeps this re-tender and related library agreements on your 6–12 month plan, and our help choosing lots shows which of the five lots suit your model.
For appointed suppliers and the next tender alike, Athena's response writing sets out licensing, access and pricing in answers written to the evaluation criteria, with a final compliance check.
