The RFP—Request for Punishment: or A Tool for Selecting an Automated Library System

Abstract

A request for proposals (RFP) may be required by purchasing laws and regulations of a local jurisdiction. A library may choose to use the RFP to determine the capabilities and limitations of a number of possible systems. However, the RFP can be badly conceived, constructed, and applied, resulting in few responses by vendors and disappointment, lost time, and wasted resources for the library. Advice is presented on when to use the RFP, how to construct it, and how to use it to achieve maximum success: selection and implementation of the product that best meets a library's specific needs.

Citation

Matthews, J.R., Salmon, S.R. and Frye Williams, J. (1987), "The RFP—Request for Punishment: or A Tool for Selecting an Automated Library System", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 15-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047674