Tender

002150 - Library Management System (LMS)

DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

20 Feb 2026 at 09:24

PlanningUpdate

04 Nov 2025 at 11:11

Planning

29 Oct 2025 at 16:31

Summary of the contracting process

Durham County Council is actively seeking to contract a new Library Management System (LMS) that will replace its outdated, in-house developed system. The procurement process, classified under the industry category "Library software package" (CPV code 48160000), is currently in the tender stage. The open procedure invites bids until 26th March 2026, with all inquiries to be addressed by 19th March 2026. Located in the United Kingdom (region UKC14), the contract is valued at £450,000 with a potential extension after the initial 5-year term. The contract is designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the council's digital transformation goals through 39 public libraries, prison services, and school library services.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities, especially for companies specializing in library software packages and digital transformation solutions. Businesses well-suited to compete include those offering comprehensive and scalable library management systems capable of meeting extensive operational requirements. Moreover, suppliers who can demonstrate value through system adaptability, user experience improvement, and compliance with current standards are positioned favourably. The evaluation considers not just cost but also system functionality, training, support, and additional beneficial features, making this an attractive prospect for innovative IT solutions providers aiming to expand their footprint within the public sector.

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Notice Title

002150 - Library Management System (LMS)

Notice Description

The purpose of this project is to replace the existing Library Management System (LMS) used by Durham County Council Library Services, including 39 public libraries, prisons and a Schools Library Service. The current LMS, developed in house, is outdated and no longer meets the operational and strategic needs of the service. This project will deliver a modern, scalable LMS that enhances operational efficiency, improves user experience, supports digital transformation goals and complies with current compliance standards.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The Contract period is for an initial 5-year period, with the option to extend for a further 5 years subject to satisfactory performance, service continuity, and the Council's future requirements. The anticipated go-live date for the new system is 1st February 2027, following a 9-month period of mobilisation and implementation, which will commence on 1st May 2026.

Planning Information

Durham County Council is continuing its engagement with the market following the initial soft market testing questionnaire issued in August 2024 under reference DN735615 via the NEPO portal, concerning the provision of a new Library Management System. System demonstrations held in November and December 2024 have supported the Council's specification development and strategic planning. While there have been some delays, the project is now progressing at pace. The Council is seeking further preliminary engagement from suppliers to explore potential additional services that could be incorporated into any future tendering opportunity. While the Council's previous engagements have confirmed that the majority of requirements for School Library Services can be met by standard off-the-shelf Library Management Systems without the need for bespoke development, there remain a number of specific requirements that have not yet been fully explored. The Council is therefore undertaking a deeper review focused on these areas to determine whether they can be fulfilled through existing system capabilities, general configuration, or integration with third-party solutions. This further engagement will help inform the most appropriate route forward for any future procurement activity. The written response questionnaire can be accessed free of charge by registering on the Open Portal at open-uk.org. Responses must be submitted through the Open Portal by Friday 7th November at 10am.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d69e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015499-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48160000 - Library software package

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£450,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£450,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Feb 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
26 Mar 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
7 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 29 Feb 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
zoe.embleton@durham.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5WB
Post Town
Durham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
TLC14 Durham

Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Framwellgate and Newton Hall
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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