Request for Proposals
Design & Development of Specialized Public Library Technology Spaces
Status: Open
Bid Due Date & Time: January 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Bid Type: Request for Proposal
Department: Strategy & Innovation
Description
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (the “Library” or “CML”) is seeking qualified digital design and technology partners to design, develop, and implement an integrated media ecosystem for the new Main Library in uptown Charlotte. This project will bring to life the Library’s vision for two signature digital media environments — an Immersive Theater and Digital Visualization Lab— which will serve as dynamic platforms for public art, storytelling, learning, and community connection.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals in connection with this project, and to waive formalities in a proposal.
Q&A
Submit written questions in the form below by January 7, 2026 at 5:00PM EST. CML staff will provide responses on January 9, 2026.
Interactive Digital Map Table Hardware & Custom Software
Status: Open
Bid Due Date & Time: January 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Bid Type: Request for Proposal
Departments: Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room
Description
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (the “Library” or “CML”) is seeking an experienced vendor to design an interactive digital map for visitors to the new Main Library in Uptown Charlotte. The Main Library will be the community’s public commons: a dynamic destination where people connect to learn, meet, laugh, share, celebrate, grow, access information, participate in civic life, and build a stronger community together.
The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, where the map table will be located, is the public reading room for the Archives and Special Collections department of CML. The department manages three special collections as well as an archival collection of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina history and culture.
Interactive Digital Map Table Hardware & Custom Software RFP
Q&A
Written questions were submitted via webform by December 15, 2025 at 5:00PM EST. See CML staff-provided responses on December 19, 2025 below.
Project Overview #1
Are all the maps are being digitized by the CML?
Either in house or by separate 3rd party vendor as required. The vendor awarded this contract is not expected to undertake any digitization.
Is CML providing vendor with OCR, metadata and map text or is vendor responsible for this?
CML will provide map OCR as HOCR files (if relevant text exists on the map) along with appropriate metadata as a MARC record.
Is CML putting the text content into the database or does vendor do this?
CML expects a vendor to do an initial data load, but CML will likely need to continue adding data to the database over time ourselves. Workflow to do so can be either via GUI or command line/SQL with appropriate training/documentation.
Project Overview #3
Is CML providing the digitized database of GIS images and historical data?
CML will provide digitized map images in tiff format and associated metadata. Derivative files can be provided if needed. GIS data (from Polaris 3G and the County's "Time machine" platform) is provided by Mecklenburg County GIS services in partnership with the library. If asking about aerial photography, both the library and Mecklenburg GIS department will provide images.
Project Overview #5
Is the vendor responsible for making the physical card catalog?
No. But vendor is responsible for ensuring the software can resolve either a barcode or QR code to appropriate digital surrogate and for providing hardware (scanner or camera) that can read said code.
Proposal Components #3
Will projects prior to 5 years be considered?
Yes, as long as they meet the combination of hardware and software component delivery. Discussion of how the vendor plans to meet those needs today will be valuable in consideration.