To: Board of Supervisors
From: Alison McKee, County Librarian
Report Title: Purchase Order with EBSCO for Rosetta Stone Subscriptions through August 31, 2025.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent to execute, on behalf of the County Librarian, a purchase order with EBSCO Information Services LLC in an amount not to exceed $37,474.00 for the renewal of Rosetta Stone subscriptions, subject to the terms of Rosetta Stone’s Enterprise License Agreement, for the period September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% Library Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Library offers patrons the use of Rosetta Stone for learning a new language. Rosetta Stone offers instruction in 20 languages, including English as a Second Language. Rosetta Stone’s structured immersion method provides an intuitive language learning approach that dramatically increases the efficiency and effectiveness of language instruction and gives the learner a continuous experience of success. The resource includes live lessons with Rosetta Stone coaches, on-demand videos of everyday scenarios to help learners improve fluency, and interactive stories for reinforcing speaking, reading, and listening skills. The product is available on computers and mobile devices.
Rosetta Stone’s Enterprise License Agreement includes a limitation of liability provision that caps liability at the amount of fees paid, approved by County Counsel. There is no indemnification language.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Purchase Order is not approved, the Contra Costa County Library will not be able to provide patrons with an often requested, trusted, and popular language learning resource. Rosetta Stone’s award-winning interactive approach has been used by millions of learners around the world and offers tremendous name recognition that boosts the overall popularity and awareness of the Library and its digital resources. A purchase of Rosetta Stone will help language learners develop confidence in multilingual settings; provide patrons with opportunities to increase professional skills and expand job prospects; and promote inclusive participation and strengthen community connections.