How do you compare library technology vendors?

1 Define your requirements

Before you start looking for vendors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want from your library technology. What are your goals, challenges, and priorities? What features and functions do you need to support your workflows, services, and users? How do you measure the success and impact of your library technology? Write down your requirements and rank them by importance. This will help you narrow down your choices and focus on the vendors that can meet your needs.

2 Research the market

Once you have your requirements, you need to research the market and identify potential vendors. You can use various sources, such as online directories, reviews, recommendations, webinars, and trade shows. Look for vendors that specialize in library technology and have experience in your sector and region. Check their websites and social media for more information about their products, services, and values. Make a list of vendors that match your criteria and contact them for more information.

3 Request a demo

The best way to compare vendors is to see their products in action. Request a demo from each vendor and schedule a time to watch it live or recorded. Pay attention to how the vendor presents their product, how they answer your questions, and how they address your requirements. Evaluate the product based on its functionality, usability, reliability, and scalability. Ask for a trial or sandbox access if possible, so you can test the product yourself and explore its features.

4 Compare the proposals

After the demo, you should receive a proposal from each vendor. The proposal should include the product details, the pricing, the implementation plan, the support options, and the terms and conditions. Compare the proposals based on your requirements and budget. Look for the value proposition, not just the price. Consider the total cost of ownership, including the initial investment, the ongoing fees, the maintenance costs, and the potential savings. Also, consider the quality of service, the customer satisfaction, and the reputation of the vendor.

5 Check the references

Before you make your final decision, you should check the references of the vendors. Ask them for a list of customers that use their product and contact them for feedback. Ask them about their experience with the product, the vendor, and the support. Find out how the product meets their needs, how it performs, and how it evolves. Look for testimonials, case studies, and reviews online as well. This will help you validate the claims of the vendors and learn from the best practices of other libraries.

6 Negotiate the contract

The last step is to negotiate the contract with the vendor you choose. Review the contract carefully and make sure it reflects the proposal and your expectations. Clarify any unclear or ambiguous terms and conditions. Negotiate any discounts, incentives, or warranties that you can get. Ask for a service level agreement that specifies the performance standards, the response times, and the penalties for non-compliance. Sign the contract only when you are satisfied with the terms and conditions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?