The CPC's framework agreement for Library Resources provides members with a full suite of library products and services across four separate lots. The framework agreement includes:

• Academic books from a range of publishers (from early years to KS4 and HE)
• Shelf-ready book services
• Professional books and publications
• Learning aids
• eBooks
• Newspaper, journal, periodical subscriptions
• Consolidation services
• Library discovery tools and services, including search functionality, database provision, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), web resources, publisher packages, catalogue records, and electronic and print resources

Members looking to acquire books & eBooks should be sure to include ISBN numbers (or a year of publication) in order to assist suppliers with obtaining pricing. It is also recommended that members detail where they require books processing so that bids offered by suppliers include all relevant cost breakdowns

It was awarded on 9th October 2020 and runs to 8th October 2022 with a possible extension to 8th October 2024.

Key Benefits of this Deal

1. Access to suppliers with their own individual specialisms (HE/Academies, textbooks, professional journals, etc.)
2. Substantial discounts against Publishers’ list prices
3. A fast and efficient route to market, with the option for direct purchase without further competition
4. Full compliance with the EU public procurement regulations.

How can I use this Deal

• Direct Award (Lots 1-4): The recommendations for direct award have been laid out within the framework user guide. It is suggested that members award on one of the following bases – Overall score awarded at the time of framework tender, or highest discount off publisher’s list prices (in the case of Lots 1-2), or lowest handling fee (in the case of Lot 3). Guidance suggests that this method is best utilised where the members’ requirement is on an urgent, low-value, one-off basis
• Mini-competition (Lots 1-3): Where a member requires a longer-term, higher value contract that necessitates a well-maintained relationship with the awarded supplier, it is recommended that a mini-competition process is undertaken. A template has been created to assist members with this requirement, however it is very generalised, and members must modify the template to consider their particular needs

If you require support in running a further competition via this deal, Tenet Services can help. Tenet offer a nationwide service specialising in assisting education establishments to complete further competitions.

Tenet are part of the Crescent Purchasing Group of Companies and operate on a not-for-profit basis.

Go to Tenet Services

Get a Quote

The CPC Quote Tool is free to use for all our members and offers quick, compliant access to all suppliers on our deals for purchases that fall below £189,330.

"The Quote Tool was easy to use and time saving, resulting in a straightforward process where we just had to put the details in once and could then use the reputable suppliers already recommended."

Deborah Anderson-Dixon, Finance Manager at Sir William Romney's School

For purchases that exceed £189,330, the CPC Sourcing Cloud is available that complies with the regulations to allow electronic tender returns whilst still being free to use for our members. Find out more about CPC Sourcing Cloud.

Use This Deal

To use this deal and get a quote you need to sign in.

Contract Manager

The contracting authority for this deal is Crescent Purchasing Consortium.