Supply of Western European Books

This framework is for the supply of Western European monographs including monographs in series on standing order and a number of multi-volume works to the British Library.

In addition to the material the Library is seeking associated services such as approval plans, notification services, bibliographic data, EDI and process efficiencies.

While the supplier’s speed of service and response are very important, the fulfilment rate and, where specified, the ability to provide approval plans, notification services and/or selection tools fully adequate to the Library’s needs are of especial importance.

Suppliers who do not have the capacity to provide approval plans, but do have the capacity to provide notifications should not be discouraged from submitting a bid.

Quality of service provided by the supplier in terms of invoicing, response to orders, response claims as well as efficiency of transaction through the use of automation are also important.

The Library’s total annual expenditure on the material covered by this specification is anticipated to be in the region of £674,000, but, the British Library cannot guarantee to maintain expenditure at any particular level.

For the purposes of this specification Western Europe excludes the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The contracts if awarded will provide the suppliers with a mix of business including both straightforward and harder-to-obtain items.

Items in non-print formats may also be ordered.

The British Library is seeking a high-quality and cost-effective service for all categories of material.

There are 6 Lots, suppliers may tender for one, multiple lots or the business as a whole.

Lot 1a German-speaking countries - monographs Lot 1b German-speaking countries - standing orders Lot 2 Dutch & Flemish monographs and standing orders Lot 3 French-speaking countries monographs and standing orders Lot 4 Italian & Italian-speaking countries monographs and standing orders Lot 5 Spain & Andorra monographs and standing orders