Key Milestones in 2024
We launched Liberty Digital, a significant upgrade to our Liberty platform, recognizing libraries’ shift toward digital collections. Liberty Digital delivers features that optimize digital resource management, including AI-powered cataloguing assistance, automated image metadata generation, and tools for user-submitted documents. Its SharePoint integration further enhances collaboration and document management. We continue to prioritize Liberty Digital’s development to meet customer feedback and the growing demand for digitally focused tools.
In September, we completed the acquisition of Aurora Information Technology (AIT), broadening our suite of products and market reach. AIT’s offerings, including Aurora Astria and Aurora Montage, now complement our Liberty and illumin solutions, allowing us to serve public libraries and expand our customer base.
Softlink IC Around the World
We were back on the road in 2024, hosting and attending various events and conferences:
- We held User Group Meetings in London, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Wellington, enabling Liberty and illumin users to exchange ideas and explore the latest product updates.
- We brought our latest developments to Roadshows in Melbourne and Wellington.
- In London, we attended the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Supplier Showcase. This one-day event allowed attendees to meet with leading suppliers of library management solutions in a non-sales environment.
- Our Romanian partners kicked off the 34th National Conference of the Romanian Librarians’ Association with a Softlink Open Day in Sibiu, Romania. The event highlighted Liberty Digital’s AI-powered features and included workshops, presentations, and live demonstrations.
- During the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) 2024 Conference, we joined a flashmob at Reddacliff Place. Attendees, including our very own Alex the Alpaca, participated in book swaps, donations to Queensland charities, and celebrations of storytelling.
We also participated in major conferences, including RLUK24, BIALL, CALL, ALLA 2024 and SWITCH24.
Online Engagement
We delivered a series of online events, including bootcamps, webinars and our annual Virtual Open Day:
- Our Liberty Bootcamps focused on maximizing the potential of Liberty Digital and Liberty Link, offering actionable tips to optimize library operations. The illumin bootcamp showed how it can streamline workflows, monitor workloads, use advanced reporting to analyze data, and boost team efficiency.
- In May, we hosted our Virtual Open Day across three time zones – Oceania, the UK & Europe, and the Americas. Each engaging 30-minute session delivered valuable insights, including the official Liberty Digital launch, a Fireside Chat with Marshall Breeding, and sessions on AI-driven cataloguing, patron engagement, customer service innovations, essential reporting tools, and more. These sessions equipped attendees with practical tools and actionable strategies to enhance their library services. You can access the recordings here.
- Our webinars aimed to address key challenges and opportunities for libraries. The Next Chapter – New Year Resolutions for Your Libraryfocused on strategies for digital transformation, improving resource accessibility, building library brands, and fostering professional growth. The other, The Solo Librarian’s Secret Weapon: How to Boost Engagement and Make Your Library Irresistible, aimed to equip solo librarians with practical tools to connect with patrons, promote services, and drive engagement through personalized services, creative events, and digital outreach.
