Cloud-Based Interlibrary Loan Platform

RFP Issue Date: April 8th, 2026

RFP Closing Date and Time: May 4th, 2026 at 14:00:59 Alberta Time

Evaluation of Proposals: May 5th, 2026 – May 29th, 2026

Shortlist Presentations: May 26th, 2026 – May 29th, 2026

Selection of Preferred Proponent: June 5th, 2026

The organization is seeking a vendor to provide a cloud-based interlibrary loan platform that enables libraries and academic institutions to efficiently share, borrow, and lend library materials beyond their individual systems. The platform must be a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) SaaS solution requiring minimal configuration, and it should meet all mandatory accessibility standards, including full functionality for users with disabilities and maintaining operability for users with limited bandwidth.

The platform must support the SIP2 protocol for library systems integration and guarantee that all internal and external data exchanges are conducted over encrypted and authenticated channels for security. Automated load balancing of requests among network partners and library service points is required to optimize workload distribution and response times. The solution must provide features to generate physical identification for items, manage and dynamically modify request queues, and prevent duplicate title requests by patrons.

The requested solution must be deployable without new development, reflecting an established market-ready product. The vendor contract will have a duration of three years. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted ahead of the specified deadline.