Request for Proposal: 

Web Design, Implementation, Development, and Updating

The Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) seeks an independent contractor to redesign, reimplement, and provide ongoing updates and development to our site: www.masslib.org.

This site is MLA’s most important member communications tool.  We seek a contractor who can transform MLA’s online presence to a user-friendly, state-of-the-art site with strong appeal to our membership of library staff and supporters.  After the initial redeployment, the contractor will provide ongoing development and updating services.  Our goal is to allow updating of as much content as possible by Association leadership and membership.

Proposals will be accepted until April 30, 2008 at: mlaoffice@masslib.org

Please direct questions to: mlaoffice@masslib.org

Proposal Requirements:

1. Description of experience and qualifications

2. Samples of web development work including url’s for live sites

3. Proposed process and timeline for site redesign and reimplementation

4. Describe proposed technology solutions for existing and new features

5. Proposed additional features and technology options

6. Pricing proposal for

   1. Redesign

   2. Reimplementation, i.e., conversion of all existing content to new format

   3. Rates for ongoing maintenance and content update services for existing site  (about 2 hours per week).

   4. Rates (hourly) for future development work (on project basis)

7. Contact information for three references

Responsibilities

Redesign and reimplement site in consultation with MLA Public Relations Committee including presentation of sample designs to Committee for approval of final design.

Provide ongoing updates at request of MLA Committees and Officers (about 2 hours per week)

Ongoing development at request of MLA PR Committee and Officers (per request)

New Features Desired

1. New logo and color palette (Create variations of logo as needed).  See:  http://www.masslib.org/brand/new-logo.pdf

2. New brand: http://www.masslib.org/brand/branding-notes.pdf

3. Create user-friendly “members only” area with login required, allowing member profiles with authorized updates permitted

4. Automated link checking and error reporting

5. Statistical reporting of use and visits, e.g., Google Analytics

Existing Functionality

1. Sub-page templates allowing low-tech revisions

2. Integrate, develop, and support content and services from tools, e.g.,

1. EventKeeper: http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=MLA

2. CapWiz: http://capwiz.com/ala/ma/state/main/?state=MA

3. Web 2.0 tools for direct member contributions, e.g.: http://yssmla.blogspot.com/

4. Auctionpay: https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w025924

5. Value of Service Calculator: http://www.masslib.org/LibraryValue.html

6. Google site search: http://www.masslib.org/

3. Ability to post advertisements/links for online sponsors:  No current examples available

4. The site is currently hosted by www.westhost.com at the Personal Starter level, see: http://www.westhost.com/starter-personal-hosting.html.  We are not committed to remain with this provider.