As higher education continues to shift toward digital-first strategies, academic libraries are under increasing pressure to do more with less – expanding access, ensuring compliance, and delivering on student expectations, all while managing complex procurement needs.
The Southern Universities Procurement Consortium (SUPC) is a crucial tool in this landscape, designed to simplify and strengthen how institutions source academic content. Frameworks like SUPC help libraries save time, reduce complexity, and ensure responsible procurement.
VitalSource has recently been reselected as a supplier on the framework across lots 4, 6, 7 and 9. This recognition highlights how suppliers on SUPC, including VitalSource, continue to provide member institutions with options that combine scale, flexibility, and support.
Why Libraries Are Choosing VitalSource:
VitalSource’s inclusion in the SUPC Framework isn’t just a badge of approval, it’s a recognition of our ongoing investment in the tools and support academic libraries need to succeed. It also provides libraries with more flexibility and optionality when navigating their digital content strategy in what we know are complex and pressured environments. Earning the highest overall score for Framework Management and equally strong scores for Customer Service and Support and Value for Money, VitalSource is committed to building trusted data-driven relationships with our institutional partners. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
Content That Scales with You
With access to millions of titles from over 3,500 publishers and 10,000 imprints, librarians can build robust, future-ready collections that match diverse learning needs
Flexible Access Models
From title-by-title perpetual licenses to subscription packages and pay-per-use, institutions have full control over how they procure and distribute content.
Local Support, Global Expertise
With both local expertise and global best practices, we ensure libraries benefit from seamless onboarding, training, and ongoing support at every stage.
Responsible Procurement
By choosing accessible, sustainable, and compliant resources through VitalSource, libraries can align their collections with responsible procurement, environmental responsibility, and accessibility standards.
Real-World Impact: The University of Wolverhampton
In 2024, the University of Wolverhampton sought to expand its approach to digital learning by transitioning to VitalSource – guided by the SUPC framework. Their aim was to build a more sustainable and affordable access model without compromising on quality. By partnering with VitalSource, they secured scalable agreements, improved student experience, and streamlined access through a centralised platform that students love.
Discover how Wolverhampton scaled smarter with SUPC – read the full story.
