F e d e r a l    D e p o s i t o r y    L i b r a r y    P r o g r a m

LPS, together with other areas of GPO, has completed the initial steps towards procurement of an Integrated Library System (ILS). GPO staff, with the assistance of RMG Consultants, performed a detailed review of written vendor submissions in December and January, comparing and contrasting vendor capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Many questions and requests for further information resulted from this review.

Vendors had a chance to respond both in writing and in intensive 2-day on-site visits, which were completed on February 12. GPO is now in the final evaluation stage prior to selecting a vendor to implement the ILS.

LPS has unique requirements, including preparation of a printed catalog, distribution of thousands of documents, and maintenance of item selection profiles, that existing off-the-shelf systems were not designed to address. The evaluation therefore involves determining which vendors have the capacity and flexibility to meet these extraordinary requirements, while meeting GPO’s needs for traditional library functions.

Managers and staff from every area in LPS were involved in the review process, which was organized by the analyst staff, with Laurie B. Hall serving as ILS Project Manager. GPO expects to make a final selection by the first week of April 2003.