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City Council Approves Two‑Year Extension and $338,000 Increase for Library ILS Contract
Summary
San Diego City Council unanimously approved a second amendment to the library’s integrated library system contract on March 24, 2025, adding $338,000 to contract capacity and extending coverage through February 2026 to avoid service disruptions while an RFP is completed.
San Diego City Council approved a second amendment to the integrated library system (ILS) contract with Innovative Interfaces Inc., adding $338,000 in contract capacity and extending services through February 2026 to ensure uninterrupted library operations.
Deputy Library Director Raul Godinho told the council the ILS is "mission critical" and that without it ‘‘we will not be able to check out any materials, access patron accounts or collect payments.’’ Godinho said a 10‑month implementation phase after the 2019 contract award was not captured in the original timeline, producing a $14,000 shortfall and a lapse in contract coverage. Staff said the requested increase is already budgeted in the library fund and does not require an additional general‑fund allocation.
The presentation outlined steps the library has taken to prevent recurrence, including weekly coordination meetings with Purchasing & Contracting, new contract‑tracking reports, and assignment of an associate analyst to oversee complex IT contracts. Godinho said an RFP process began in December 2024 and staff expects to post a notice of intent to award in April 2025 and return to council before June.
Public commenters reflected mixed reactions: Cesar Javier urged auditing and transparency, saying city funds deserve close scrutiny, while Andrea Ebbing praised libraries as a "critical resource" but asked who is overseeing city contracts more broadly. Several speakers, including Joyce Eneta and Blair Beekman, expressed support for the libraries and urged accountability.
During council debate, Councilmember Campbell said the $338,000 is already in the library budget and stressed that keeping branches operational is a priority: "The libraries will shut down if they do not have their internet." Councilmembers asked staff to confirm contract‑tracking responsibilities and processes; purchasing staff said an associate analyst will now monitor IT contracts and invoices.
The motion to approve staff recommendations passed 7–2. Councilmembers Foster and (Bonnie) Wolpert voted no. Council documentation notes staff will return to council prior to awarding any new contract and that the amendment keeps services in place while the RFP process completes.
The city’s action maintains library services while procurement finishes; staff committed to providing additional accountability detail to council and returning with any final award recommendations.
