Checking References When Evaluating an LIS Vendor: Why It's Important and How to Do It

Summary

• References provide insights into the vendor's track record and reputation.
• Checking references can help evaluate the vendor's reliability, customer service, and product quality.
• References can offer valuable information to make an informed decision when choosing an LIS vendor.

Introduction

Choosing the right Library Information System (LIS) vendor is crucial for libraries and information centers to effectively manage their collections, resources, and services. With numerous vendors offering LIS solutions in the market, evaluating and selecting the most suitable vendor can be a challenging task. One key aspect of this evaluation process is checking references. In this article, we will explore how checking references can help in evaluating an LIS vendor.

What are References?

References are individuals or organizations that have previously purchased and used the products or services of the vendor in question. These references can provide valuable insights into the vendor's performance, customer service, and product quality. When evaluating an LIS vendor, references play a significant role in assessing the vendor's credibility and reputation.

Why Check References?

Checking references is an essential step in evaluating an LIS vendor for several reasons:

1. Track Record and Reputation

1. References can provide information about the vendor's track record in delivering LIS solutions to libraries and information centers.
2. By checking references, you can gauge the vendor's reputation in the industry and among its customers.
3. Positive references indicate that the vendor has a history of fulfilling its promises and meeting customer expectations.

2. Reliability and Customer Service

1. References can share their experiences with the vendor's reliability in terms of product performance and support services.
2. Feedback from references can help assess the vendor's customer service capabilities and responsiveness to issues or inquiries.
3. Understanding how the vendor handles support and maintenance can be crucial in ensuring a smooth implementation and ongoing support for the LIS system.

3. Product Quality and Features

1. References can provide insights into the quality and functionality of the vendor's LIS solution.
2. Feedback from references can help evaluate the ease of use, customization options, and integration capabilities of the LIS system.
3. Understanding the features and benefits of the vendor's product can help determine if it aligns with the specific needs and requirements of your library or information center.

How to Check References?

When checking references for an LIS vendor, consider the following steps:

1. Request Contact Information

1. Ask the vendor for a list of references that have used their LIS solution.
2. Request contact information for each reference, including their name, organization, and preferred method of contact.

2. Prepare Questions

1. Develop a set of questions to ask the references about their experience with the vendor's LIS solution.
2. Include questions about the implementation process, support services, product features, and overall satisfaction with the vendor.

3. Conduct Interviews

1. Reach out to the references and schedule time for interviews or discussions about their experience.
2. Ask the prepared questions and listen to the feedback and insights shared by the references.

Benefits of Checking References

Checking references when evaluating an LIS vendor offers several benefits:

1. Informed Decision Making

References provide essential information and feedback that can help you make an informed decision when selecting an LIS vendor.

2. Risk Mitigation

By checking references, you can assess the potential risks associated with the vendor's performance, reliability, and customer service, helping mitigate any potential challenges in the future.

3. Validation of Vendor Claims

References can validate the vendor's claims about their LIS solution, giving you confidence in the vendor's capabilities and the quality of their product.

Conclusion

Checking references is a valuable step in evaluating an LIS vendor to ensure that you choose a reliable and reputable partner for your library or information center. References provide insights into the vendor's track record, customer service, and product quality, helping you make an informed decision when selecting an LIS solution. By following the steps outlined in this article and leveraging the feedback from references, you can confidently choose the right LIS vendor that meets your library's specific needs and requirements.

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