The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce that our early literacy eResource procurement process is nearing the finish line and we can announce our intentions. This RFP process began with one-on-one and group conversations with several library and education staff across the state. Your feedback helped shape the content of the RFP which was issued in January of this year. Several vendors responded to the RFP and 3 vendors were asked to provide trial access and product demonstrations via webinars. Many members of the library and education communities evaluated early literacy eResources during the trial period and provided detailed feedback in an evaluation survey. The decisions on the final choices were made using these evaluations and the available budget allocated to the Michigan eLibrary program.
What Did We Request from Vendors?
In our last RFP cycle, which concluded in June 2018, we did not find an early literacy product that met the needs of our communities and was priced for our budget. The current RFP cycle has been designed to bolster MeL’s early literacy product offering with full book content to support young readers, specifically pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
What Are the Results of the Evaluation Process?
Our team carefully evaluated all the eResources offered as well as library community feedback, pricing and our available budget. Based on the best cost, evaluation scores for things like content and user interfaces, and library community input via surveys and product demonstrations, we are currently in the final stages of contracting with Coughlin Capstone for a subscription to the animal and social studies modules of their PebbleGo product. Access is tentatively set to begin on August 1, 2019.
What Happens Next?
Once the contract is finalized this summer, more detail about the animal and social studies modules of PebbleGo will be available, and work will begin to configure the subscription access to this new eResource. MeL team members will also be working with Coughlin Capstone to develop training and support that will help you learn how to use PebbleGo most effectively. Be on the lookout for upcoming training sessions to learn more about this eResource in the summer and fall.
What Should You Do?
It is important that you, your public service and technology staff stay abreast of news about the new early literacy addition to MeL and related training opportunities that will be announced in the coming months. You can stay up to date by subscribing to the following lists or visiting the Library of Michigan’s MeL website:
Now is also a good time to begin planning to make any necessary changes to your website, printed materials, and statistical collection methods.
The MeL team would like to extend its thanks to the many members from the Michigan library and education communities that took time to participate in the product demonstrations and provide evaluations of the resources through the survey. Additionally, thanks to the staff from the Library of Michigan and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services for doing the work behind the scenes to enable the Michigan eLibrary program to serve our libraries and patrons across Michigan.
Questions?
For questions about the 2019 early literacy RFP please contact Liz Breed, Michigan eLibrary Coordinator, via email at breedl@michigan.gov.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Additional funding is provided by the State of Michigan and the Library of Michigan Foundation.
Brought to you by Liz Breed of the MeL Team.
Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First.
Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks.
MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only.
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