To: Board of Supervisors
From: Alison McKee, County Librarian
Report Title: Purchase Order with EBSCO Information Services, LLC. for Flipster Subscription through October 31, 2026
☒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., subject to the terms of their EBSCO License Agreement, in an amount not to exceed $71,611 for the renewal of the Flipster subscription, for the period November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% Library Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Library offers patrons access to EBSCO'S Flipster, a digital magazine platform. This product is the only resource offering current and back issues of some of the most widely used and popular magazine titles for public libraries, such as Consumer Reports, Time, and People. Instant access is provided to patrons within and outside of the library through the Flipster app or a web browser on a computer or device. Flipster offers highly visual and engaging digital content across many niche and diverse topics, all in an appealing browsable format. The software is also compatible for visually impaired patrons.
The terms and conditions include limitation of liability provisions and indemnification language, reviewed by County Counsel.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Purchase Order is not approved, the Contra Costa County Library will not be able to provide patrons with the unique content or interface delivered within the Flipster digital magazine product.