Large Print and Spoken Word for Libraries

Essex County Council has a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. Essex Libraries serve a population of approximately 1.5 million through 74 library buildings, an eLibrary, mobile libraries, and community services. With 250,000 active users and over 5.5 million visits annually, we aim to ensure inclusive access to reading and listening materials.

Scope of Procurement

We intend to procure Large Print Books and Spoken Word on CDs to support accessibility and engagement for users with visual impairments or those who prefer audio formats.

Our current contracts expire on 30th June 2026.

Large Print Books

Must meet RNIB standards (minimum 16-point font size).

Durable for library lending, with reinforced covers and RFID tagging.

Supplier must provide an accessible online catalogue with search and filtering options, images, descriptions, and MARC records.

Ordering will be via Standing Order Plans and one-off purchases, using EDI for quotes, orders, and invoicing.

Spoken Word on CDs

Audio recordings of books on standard CDs, playable on conventional CD players.

Robust cases suitable for library use, clear labelling, and RFID tagging.

Online catalogue requirements similar to Large Print, including narrator details and physical specifications.

Replacement options for damaged cases/discs during item lifetime.

Delivery & Invoicing

Central delivery to Witham, Essex.

Monthly deliveries for standing orders; two-week turnaround for ad-hoc orders.

EDI invoicing and compliance with ECC finance processes.

To take part in the engagement exercise, please access our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/fVWvzLRYn9

It is important to note that this PIN is not a call for competition and as such you will need to express your interest in any future tender opportunity once the contract notice is published in Find a Tender and on Contracts Finder.

It should also be noted that this notice invites individuals and organisations to express an interest in this exercise only, and it is NOT a pre-qualification questionnaire, and is NOT part of any pre-qualification or selection process.

This notice is intended as an awareness, communication, and information gathering exercise. An expression of interest is no indication of a commitment to participate in any future tendering process nor does it infer any preferential or special status on those individuals and organisations who participate.