Library Services

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking a Service Provider to provide the operation of the Library Services both under the Council's statutory duty under section 7 of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 and it's non-statutory provision. A more detailed specification of the contract scope will be provided with the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and Tender documentation.

The Council has considered key commercial elements of the new contract and the description below is only intended to provide a broad indication of the contract requirements. — Provision of the Council's statutory service consisting of a website and virtual catalogue, 15 static libraries, and targeted provision for individuals who are unable to access a static library within 30 minutes by public transport meeting minimum requirements as to service offering; — Provision of specified support to community-run hubs offering library services; — Offering by the Service Provider of enhancements to existing provision or support to community hubs meeting priorities set by the Council; — Provision of mobile library services to communities meeting specified criteria. The Council may also wish to explore with the successful Service Provider the inclusion of Library IT Services (Systems, Support & Maintenance and provision of End-User Computing) and soft total facilities management of the Library Buildings.

In addition the Council may subsequently seek to invite the successful Service Provider to extend the scope of the contract during the contract term to include the management and operation of the whole or any part of its Heritage and Archive Services subject to lawfulness, relevant due diligence and best value considerations. For the avoidance of doubt, the Council has not made any decision that would permit Heritage and Archive Services to be included in the contract.

Before this could happen consultation would be required with relevant stakeholders and a Council decision would be required. Any future addition of any Archive and Heritage Services would be voluntary on both sides i.e. the Council would have no obligation to call for those services and the Service Provider would have no obligation to provide them.