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Receive a presentation from the Library Department on its proposed website redesign and catalog overlay vendor
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Library Department recommends that the Board receive a presentation on its proposed website redesign and catalog overlay vendor.
SUMMARY:
The Library Department is seeking to fully redesign both its website and its catalog overlay using a new vendor, Bibliocommons. Bibliocommons’ products will work seamlessly together providing library users with a unified experience using a sophisticated and modern user interface.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the contract for the website and catalog overlay products for year one, including implementation, is $161,333. The total cost for the website for year one, including implementation, is $87,397. The total cost for the catalog overlay for year one, including implementation, is $73,936. The cost for both products is included in the Department’s FY2026/27 Recommended Budget.
DISCUSSION:
In 2020, the Library’s website relied on obsolete infrastructure and was at risk of permanent failure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the public depended heavily on the website for services such as scheduling curbside pickup appointments, the loss of the website would have significantly disrupted service delivery. As a result, the Library quickly developed its current WordPress-based website in 2020 as a temporary solution. The website was intended as a stopgap measure, not as a permanent platform.
Bibliocommons can provide the Library with a modern, sophisticated website platform designed specifically for public libraries. To enhance functionality and user experience, the Library can also purchase the company’s catalog overlay product, Bibliocore, in conjunction with its website product, Biblioweb will provide a seamless and unified experience for library users.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to receive the presentation. This is not recommended because the new website and catalog overlay will be valuable tools for the community.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION