eLibraryMN Request for Proposal
The Shared E-Resources Task Force crafted a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the early winter that describes what we're looking for in our statewide database collections, which includes ELM and collections available in North Dakota and South Dakota. That RFP is now closed and is in the evaluation process.
Trial Databases
Vendors that responded with proposals have provided trial access to their proposed resources. These trials are available to the entire Minitex community. We encourage all community members to trial the proposed resources and provide Minitex with feedback. The trial period is now open and will run through February 16, 2026. Feedback will inform decision-making by the SER Task Force and Minitex.
Timeline
A current timeline of the RFP process:
- November 21, 2025 - January 9, 2026: RFP bid open to vendors
- Mid-January 2026 - end of February: Trial databases and community feedback
- March: Shared E-Resources (SER) Task Force evaluations and vendor demonstrations
- May: New statewide e-resources finalized
- July 1, 2026: New statewide e-resources begin
Questions
If there is a vendor inquiring about the ELM RFP bid please direct them to Brendan Wintroath, UMN Purchasing Office, wintr003@umn.edu, and cc Matt Lee, leems001@umn.edu with any questions.