Library Resources, Software, and Associated Services
Framework Description
Crescent Purchasing Consortium's Library Resources, Software, and Associated Services framework (tender reference CPC/LO/01/2024) re-tenders CPC's earlier Library Resources and Associated Services agreement. It started on 9 October 2024 and has been extended by 12 months to 8 October 2027; the original option allowed extension up to 8 October 2028. It has four lots, and applications for it are closed (it is not a DPS). This framework is used by Crescent Purchasing and NWUPC.
Context & Use Case
School, college and university libraries use it for academic and professional books, eBooks, journal subscriptions and library management or discovery systems. The Department for Education recommends it to schools and academies. Members can direct award, direct award using a desktop exercise, or run a mini-competition for longer, higher-value contracts such as a new library management system.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Physical Print and Alternative Format Library Books Lot 2: Electronic and Alternative Format Library eBooks Lot 3: Journal and Periodical Subscription Services Lot 4: Library Software Shelf-ready processing, consolidation and reporting services Library discovery tools, catalogue records and reading lists
Lots
Lot 1 Physical Print and Alternative Format Library Books; Lot 2 Electronic and Alternative Format Library eBooks; Lot 3 Journal and Periodical Subscription Services; Lot 4 Library Software
Who Can Apply
Suits booksellers, library suppliers, subscription agents, aggregators and library software developers with education customers. Applications for this framework are closed, so suppliers not already appointed cannot join now. The next chance is the re-tender, likely around 8 October 2027, when the extended term ends.
Buyer Benefits
Library budgets are tight and spread across many small orders. Members value agreed discounts on books and subscriptions, suppliers who can catalogue new stock, and one route covering both content and the systems that manage it, which saves running separate tenders.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should plan account growth for the final year and compete hard in mini-competitions. Others should follow CPC's framework page for news of the re-tender ahead of October 2027, choose the lot that fits, and prepare discounts off publishers' list prices, handling fees, shelf-ready service levels and education library references now.
How Athena Can Help
Athena's public sector bidding consultants can help you decide whether this CPC re-tender suits your offer and which lot to target, then build a 6–12 month plan around October 2027.
For the application, our framework bid support covers selection answers, policies and library case studies, checked for compliance before submission. If you already supply under the framework, we help you win mini-competitions with stronger bid content, clearer win themes and discount pricing tested against competitors.
