Anchorage Assembly to vote Aug. 4 on $1.5M library book contract with Ingram

Anchorage Public Library's six locations would get a new supplier for print books, processing and catalog records under a contract the Anchorage Assembly is scheduled to vote on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The administration recommends approval. The agreement with Ingram Content Group is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, meaning the library orders as needed rather than buying a fixed quantity up front. Spending is capped at $300,000 a year, and no single purchase order may exceed $150,000.

The base term runs Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2028, with three one-year renewal options. Exercising all three brings the total to $1.5 million.

The Anchorage Purchasing Department solicited proposals, which were due Jan. 29. Three came in, from Follett Content Solutions, Ingram Content Group and Libraria. Ingram scored highest.

Five Anchorage Public Library librarians reviewed the proposals and negotiated with Ingram. Budget Coordinator Mollie Roache and Collection Management Services Coordinator Emily Paige then signed the recommendation on July 16.

The contract covers print materials, processing and catalog records used by the public, library staff, other libraries and municipal departments.