To: Board of Supervisors
From: Alison McKee, County Librarian
Report Title: Purchase Order with EBSCO Information Services, LLC for LearningExpress Library Complete Subscriptions through June 30, 2029
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, on behalf of the County Librarian, to execute a purchase order with EBSCO Information Services, LLC, subject to the terms of their EBSCO License Agreement, in an amount not to exceed $48,299 for the renewal of LearningExpress Library Complete subscription for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% Library Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Library offers patrons the use of LearningExpress Library Complete. This product contains the highest quality resources for learning, skills-building, and test preparation, all in one easy-to-use online platform. The product’s extensive array of resources includes eBooks, online practice tests, interactive tutorials, microlessons, articles, and flashcards. Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass a high school equivalency test, prepare for college, explore careers, join the military, study for occupational certification tests, become a U.S. citizen, and much more.
LearningExpress Library Complete from EBSCO Information Services, LLC offers quality resources for learning, skills-building, and test preparation in a single online platform. Resources offered include eBooks, practice tests, interactive tutorials, micro lessons, articles, and flashcards. LearningExpress supports patrons looking to improve academic skills, pass equivalency tests, prepare for college, explore careers, join the military, study for occupational certification tests, become U.S. citizens, and more. The Job & Career Accelerator add-on provides job and career development assistance for patrons. Therefore, this purchase order is being sought with a Sole Source justification.
EBSCO’s License Agreement includes indemnification and limitation of liability language which was reviewed by County Counsel.
This Purchase Order is entered into under and subject to the following legal authority, California Government Code § 31000.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Purchase Order is not approved, the Contra Costa County Library will not be able to provide patrons with online access to a comprehensive, interactive online learning platform of practice tests, tutorial course series, and online job search tools.