Serial Vendor RFP Task Force: Charge

The goal of the task force is to ensure that RUL is getting the best available serial services at the best price. All potential vendors should be considered and their products, services, and support should be evaluated.

Some criteria for the review are:

• Services for serials in all formats (ordering, invoicing, claiming, reports, assistance with ejournal management, etc.)
• Customer service (qualifications and experience of staff, designated service representatives, management reports, other services)
• Costs (service charges, supplemental charges, available discounts, payment options)
• Online systems and services (up-to-date technology, quality of end-user interface, ease of use)
• Electronic invoicing and other automated services (interfaces with Sirsi and other systems)
• Company reputation and financial stability
• References from comparable libraries

From these criteria develop an evaluation tool.

The evaluation process should include open vendor demonstrations to which all interested faculty and staff are invited. While the substance of the deliberations should remain confidential until the end, the progress of the task force should be publicized at regular intervals. Members of the RUL community should be encouraged to provide input and have ample opportunity to do so.

Timetable:

Cabinet will review the task force's recommendations, and if approved, they will take effect in fiscal year 2007.

Matt Kaiser of Rutgers Purchasing Department will serve as an ex-officio member of the Serials Vendor RFP and Evaluation Task Force, and I will also participate as a full member.