In the very near future, the Office of the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library (SOS/ISL) will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide statewide delivery services for Illinois libraries for state fiscal year 2014 (July 1, 2013–June 30, 2014).

No plans exist to close library system delivery services; however, we all have a responsibility to ensure effective and efficient use of state funding. In this time of budget cuts and fiscal emergencies, Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is solidly committed to ensuring that resource sharing, including the delivery of library materials, remains his top priority.

The recent Illinois Library Association (ILA) report, The Future of Illinois Library Cooperation: Exploring Effective, Efficient Service Models, strongly recommends the exploration of outsourcing. Responses to an RFP will provide data about costs and designs for outsourced delivery services. The SOS/ISL will carefully evaluate all responses received.

The RFP, which will be issued through regular procurement channels, does not obligate the SOS/ISL to the execution of a contract. The RFP will not include the delivery services among the Chicago Public Library and its branches, or the Illinois Library Delivery Service, which is supported by a separate agreement.

The efforts of the Secretary and the ISL remain focused on supporting resource sharing and facilitating libraries’ engagement in their communities. Coupled with the ongoing work of the ISL’s Future of Resource Sharing Committee, we will continue to advocate the Secretary’s goal of ensuring resource sharing support for all Illinois libraries.

When published, the RFP will be available at www.purchase.state.il.us. Although registration is required to view RFPs, anyone can register. Future developments regarding the RFP will be announced in the Illinois State Library weekly electronic newsletter and at WebJunction Illinois.

Please contact Anne Craig at 217-782-2994 if you have questions.