Title
Resolution Determining ProQuest LLC to be the Only Source Practicably Available from which to Procure Access to Propriety Owned Databases and Newspapers and Research Collections in Microform and Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of a Purchase Contract with ProQuest LLC as "Sole Source"
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this resolution is to determine ProQuest LLC to be the only source practically available from which to procure access to databases, content and proprietary platform for the following subscriptions: African American Heritage, Ancestry Library and RNP Daily Press (Newport News) for the Hampton Public Library. The City had previously contracted for such services through a sole source with a predecessor of ProQuest LLC.
Discussion:
ProQuest LLC provides global access to one of the largest online content repositories in the world. ProQuest LLC offers Hampton Public Library patrons access to a great deal of resources for genealogical research, school work, news, etc. ProQuest provides the library with access to their following exclusive databases and microfilm:
African American Heritage
Ancestry Library
RNP Daily Press (Newport News).
These platforms are frequently used by Hampton Public Library patrons. For the month of September 2018 alone, patrons accessed the Ancestry Library over 1978 times. The Daily Press archives have been used over 640 times in the past year. ProQuest is the only company that provides access to the complete Daily Press archives.
Impact:
ProQuest LLC is the proprietary owner of the African American Heritage, Ancestry Library and RNP Daily Press (Newport News) platforms. Discontinuing this service would leave Hampton Public Library patrons unable to access or research the platforms that ProQuest LLC owns and would risk having potentially negative effects to the Hampton Public Library patron's research capabilities and result in a breakdown in services. An agreement with ProQuest LLC would be long-term while they continue to be the proprietary owner of the above-referenced platforms. The Hampton Public Library anticipates spending approximately $12,000.00 annually with ProQuest LLC.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the Resolution
Body
WHEREAS, the City currently provides to patrons of the Hampton Public Library access to online content repositories and newspapers produced in microform; namely, African American Heritage, Ancestry Library and RNP Daily Press (Newport News) for research and informative purposes;
WHEREAS, patrons of the Hampton Public Library utilize African American Heritage, Ancestry Library and RNP Daily Press (Newport News) frequently to conduct genealogical research, school work, obtain news updates and perform other educational and community purposes and the City wishes to continue the provision of these services to library patrons;
WHEREAS, ProQuest LLC, a successor to the City’s previous vendor, is the proprietary owner and exclusive provider of African American Heritage, Ancestry Library and RNP Daily Press (Newport News) and a contract with ProQuest LLC is the only means to ensure the City can continue to offer library patrons access to these resources; and
WHEREAS, the price at which ProQuest LLC has offered database access to African American Heritage, Ancestry Library and RNP Daily Press (Newport News) has been determined to be fair and reasonable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia as follows:
1. That the contract for procuring goods described above may be negotiated and awarded to ProQuest LLC as a “sole source” without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E;
2. That the City Manager or her authorized designee is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute a purchase contract with ProQuest LLC; and
3. That the notice awarding the contract to ProQuest LLC shall be posted in a public place pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E.