RFP for Virtual Reference Pilot Project
Boise, Idaho, Summer 2003

Participating Libraries:

Ada Community Library
Albertsons Library at Boise State University
Boise Public Library

The RFP

Key Specification Highlights:

No software downloads or plug-ins required on patron side
24/7/365 Service
Co-browsing
Page pushing
Patron escorting (both parties viewing same page)
Controlling movement of mouse or cursor
Interactive chat during session
Co-browse proprietary databases, including those that require authentication by either part.

Secondary specifications:

Ability to transfer from live chat to email
Option to forward a live question to another librarian within or outside the service
Option to have questions automatically forwarded to backup service if scheduled consortium staffs are busy
Robust queue management functionality
Ability to create scripted responses

Training

Ranking

A ranking system was established based on a total of 100 points to award.
Key features were valued/weighted at 20; many less vital features valued at 1.
No software downloads or plug-ins was non-negotiable. It was not scored but if a vendor required one they were eliminated.
Only two items, Company History and Price, were weighted at 20 points each.
Lesser features and issues were less exactly weighted and scored.

Bids

Hardware Requirements

We held off until vendor was selected in order to know specifications

VR office space at each institution to include:

Software

EZ Proxy is being purchased and installed to make licensed databases available to remote users and to authenticate validated users.