30 April 2026

Included in this update

EPIC subscription confirmations 2026-2027 - 1 month to go!
iGroup - removal of Infobase offers for new public library subscribers
iGroup - Infobase webinar for EPIC tertiary member libraries
National Library at the PLNZ National Forum

EPIC subscription confirmations 2026-2027 - 1 month to go!

This is a quick reminder that there is just under 1 month to go to complete and return an EPIC subscription confirmation on behalf of your library for the 2026-2027 EPIC subscription year (beginning 1 July 2026). The deadline is 5pm, Friday 29 May 2026.

The EPIC member subscription confirmation section of EPIC – a guide for member libraries outlines the annual subscription confirmation process and includes links to download a 2026-2027 EPIC subscription confirmation form on behalf of your organisation.

The key purpose of the subscription confirmation process is to confirm which current EPIC subscriptions you wish to continue. Any options your library subscribed to in 2025–2026 will be cancelled for 2026–2027 if you do not return the EPIC subscription confirmation form or do not select them on the form.

If you are unsure whether to start a new subscription before the annual subscription confirmation deadline, please note that new subscriptions can be set up through EPIC at any time during the subscription year.

iGroup - removal of Infobase offers for new public library subscribers

As outlined in the EPIC Update – 18 March 2026, iGroup Australasia is the new vendor providing subscriptions to Infobase products to EPIC member libraries.

However, I have just been notified by iGroup that they no longer have the rights to provide Infobase subscription options to new public library subscribers.

EPIC member public libraries that have current Infobase subscriptions will be able to renew these subscriptions through the iGroup offer through EPIC, but iGroup are unable to manage new public library subscriptions.

I have updated the iGroup EPIC Public Library subscription pricing options 2026-2027 and 2026-2027 EPIC Public Libraries subscription confirmation form to reflect these changes.

iGroup - Infobase webinar for EPIC tertiary member libraries

iGroup does still has the rights to provide Infobase subscription options to EPIC tertiary member libraries. They will be hosting the following webinar to introduce the new iGroup Infobase Product offer to EPIC tertiary members:

Infobase Exclusive Webinar for EPIC members
Wednesday, May 13 2026 – 11am-12pm
Registration link

National Library at the PLNZ National Forum

Public Library folk – if you are attending the PLNZ National Forum in Ōtautahi Christchurch (6-7 May) come and say hi to my National Library colleagues and me at the National Library booth (booth 5) in the exhibition space.

We have limited edition badges to giveaway promoting the National Library’s four key services to public libraries (EPIC, Te Puna, Kōtui and APNK). To claim a badge, all you have to do is visit us at the booth and answer a simple question about the National Library service that each badge is promoting.

To give you a head start in securing a fabulous EPIC badge (which in my unbiased opinion will clearly be a fan favourite), my top, insider tip would be to familiarise yourself with the names of EPIC vendors that will also be exhibiting at the forum…

Hei konā mai

Paula Banks - EPIC Manager