BIC announced this week that two system suppliers, five library services and most of the UK’s major library stock suppliers have gained e4libraries accreditation. The accreditation scheme enables organisations to demonstrate their commitment to electronic trading and other beneficial library technology such as full-cycle EDI, implementation of RFID systems, efficient access to, and use of, bibliographic records, as well as the adoption of more efficient working practices in the supply chain.

System suppliers that have been accredited include Infor Global Solutions and Axiell UK (formerly DS).

Askews Library Services, Bertram Library Services, Coutts Information Services, Dawson Books, The Holt Jackson Book Company, Peters Bookselling Services and

YBP Library Services have all demonstrated their commitment to the application of technology to the library sector by developing EDI links as well as a range of innovative web-based services for libraries.

Essex County Libraries, Middlesex University, Norfolk Library and Information Service, London Borough of Sutton Libraries and Westminster Libraries are the first libraries to win accreditation for their implementation of technologies which improve their efficiency and enhance the service they provide to their users.

Peter Kilborn, Executive Director of BIC, commented: ‘The new scheme is off to a very strong start with the accreditation of these organisations. We hope this will encourage others to apply. In that way we can create benchmarks for the efficient use of technology in the library sector.’

This new accreditation scheme is BIC’s third industry scheme and joins the BIC Product Data Excellence Awards and e4books accreditation for trade supply chain efficiency.