London UGM 2026: Turning Ideas into Action with AI, Reporting, and Smarter Workflows
On April 23, 2026, the Softlink IC community came together in London for a focused, practical User Group Meeting designed to help library and knowledge professionals get more value from their systems, data, and time.
What’s Coming Up With Softlink IC
The next few months are packed – and more importantly, they’re full of opportunities for you to sharpen your strategy, connect with peers, and get more value from Liberty Digital and illumin.
SCALL Institute 2026: Supporting Law Librarians in Tribal and Federal Indian Law Research
Softlink IC was proud to participate in the 54th SCALL Institute, held February 20–21, 2026 at the Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California. This year’s institute theme was, “Tribal and Federal Indian Law: Practice and Policy”.
Softlink IC: Your 2025 Wrapped
This year wasn’t just about software updates or company events; it was about our customers navigating digital change with our products. Across the sectors, we noticed the main benefits our systems provided were – time-saved, manual work reduction, and improvement in both resource discoverability and reporting strength. These helped deliver clearer outcomes to our customers’ organizations for 2025.
How to Build a Business Case for a New Integrated Library System (ILS)
You already know your current system isn’t meeting your needs, but how do you get key decision-makers to see this, and convince them it’s time for a change?
SWITCH 2025 Highlights: The Aurora Product Suite with Astria and the New Montage v2
Softlink IC attended SWITCH 2025, held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre in Penrith from November 11–14, this event marked a watershed moment because we got the chance to showcase the Aurora Product Suite to library professionals from across NSW and beyond for four days of connection and collaboration.
Highlights from Our 2025 User Group Meetings in Brisbane, Melbourne & Wellington
Each year, we bring our community together through our User Group Meetings (UGMs) – one of our favourite ways to connect with customers, share updates, and celebrate the innovation happening in libraries. In October 2025, the Softlink IC team hosted UGMs across Brisbane, Melbourne, and Wellington, bringing together professionals from every sector to learn, collaborate, and discuss what’s next for Liberty Digital and illumin.
Libraries Lead the Way: Inside Softlink IC’s AI Library Challenge
Could AI help solve everyday library challenges? That’s the question Softlink IC posed during this year’s User Group Meetings (UGMs) – and the results were surprising.
Softlink IC at IALL 2025: Sharing Ideas and Listening to Law Librarians
Softlink Information Centers (Softlink IC) recently attended the 43rd Annual Course of the International Association of Law Libraries (IALL), held in Houston, Texas, from October 19–23, 2025.
Connections in the Digital Age – NZLLA Conference 2025
We had the privilege of attending the New Zealand Law Librarians’ Association (NZLLA) Conference 2025, held at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) on 18–19 September 2025.
The theme, “Whanaungatanga: connections in the digital age”, captured the importance of building and maintaining relationships while adapting to the rapid digital transformation in law and libraries.
Libraries Leading Change: The Greater Whitsunday Alliance Crescendo Event
This week, the Greater Whitsunday Alliance Crescendo event brought together library leaders and system partners in Mackay, Queensland for a collaborative discussion on the evolving needs of regional libraries.
AALL 2025: Great Conversations, Connections, and Knowledge in Portland
A huge thank you to the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) for organizing yet another outstanding Annual Meeting & Conference. Portland was the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with customers, meeting new faces, and diving into the latest in legal knowledge management.
Strengthening Skills and Connections – A Look Back at Our Week in Papua New Guinea
On Friday 18 July, Softlink IC wrapped up a week on the ground in Papua New Guinea, delivering in-person Liberty Digital training for the National and Supreme Courts. Led by Sarah Thompson and Jacob Devine, the sessions brought together court librarians from across the country, all eager to sharpen their skills and build confidence in the system.
Connecting with Law Librarians at CALL 2025 in Canada
Softlink Information Centers (IC) recently attended the Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL) Conference, held from May 25–28, 2025, at the Westin Calgary. The sunshine and good weather held out for a great week of conversations, networking, and sharing ideas with the Canadian legal information community.
Strategies for Promoting Your Library’s Digital Resources to Boost Usage
In an increasingly digital world, promoting your library’s digital resources isn’t just important, it’s essential. Making users aware of the resources available and how to access them can drive higher engagement and demonstrate an Return on investment (ROI) on your software investment.
In our latest blog, we’ve suggested five strategies to promote your library’s digital resources and boost usage.
Join Softlink and AIT at QPLA LEaD Conference 2025 in Townsville!
Softlink and AIT are heading to Townsville for the QPLA LEaD Conference, taking place from March 24-28, 2025! Samantha and Suzana will be at the AIT booth (B09), ready to connect with library professionals from across Queensland.
Highlights from SWITCH 2024
SWITCH 2024, held November 12–15 at the Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour, marked an exciting milestone for AIT, now part of Softlink Information Centers. This was the first public library conference since joining Softlink IC, providing a unique opportunity to introduce the combined strengths of AIT and Softlink IC to the public library community.
Wrapping Up 2024 User Group Meetings in Brisbane
On September 27th, we held our final User Group Meeting (UGM) for 2024 in Brisbane, concluding a fantastic series of events in Oceania. Like the earlier sessions in Melbourne and Wellington, the Brisbane UGM brought together our vibrant community of Liberty and illumin users for a day filled with learning, sharing, and insightful discussions.
Highlights From Our User Group Meetings in Melbourne and Wellington
We recently held two engaging User Group Meetings (UGMs) in Oceania, bringing together our wonderful community of Liberty and illumin users. Our first UGM took place in Melbourne, Australia, on August 22nd, followed by another in Wellington, New Zealand, on September 5th. Our UGM’s are designed to provide attendees with insights, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
Join Softlink at the ALLA 2024 Conference in Adelaide!
Softlink Information Centres will be at the 2024 Australian Law Librarians’ Association (ALLA) Conference between Wednesday, 7th August to Friday, 9th August 2024, at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia.
Softlink Information Centers Shines at BIALL and CALL Conferences
Softlink Information Centers had an exciting and productive June, participating in two major events: the British & Irish Association of Law Librarians (BIALL) Conference in Leeds, United Kingdom, and the Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL) Conference in Montreal, Canada. Both conferences provided fantastic opportunities to connect with our customers and meet new prospects.
Softlink London User Group Meeting
On 18 June 2024, we hosted a User Group Meeting (UGM) in central London. The event was well attended, bringing together some of our community of library and information management professionals from around the United Kingdom.
Transforming Library Services – Highlights from Softlink’s Virtual Open Day 2024
Softlink Information Centers (Softlink IC) hosted its third successful Virtual Open Day on May 30, 2024. This much-anticipated event brought together library and knowledge management professionals from around the globe, introducing them to the transformative capabilities of our newest solution, Liberty Digital.
Softlink IC Virtual Open Day – 30 May 2024 Save the date and register now!
We’re thrilled to announce that Softlink IC’s much-anticipated Virtual Open Day is back! Circle your calendar for May 30, 2024, and prepare to dive into the world of knowledge management solutions. This event is free to join and we’ll be offering sessions across three time zones.
Where to Find Softlink IC in 2024: A Year of Learning, Innovation, and Connections
As 2024 unfolds, Softlink Information Centres is delighted to announce our active participation in a diverse array of conferences and events worldwide. This year, we’re seizing more opportunities to showcase our flagship products: Liberty, an integrated library management system, and illumin, our pioneering Knowledge & Research Management platform.
Meet Us in London: Softlink IC at the CILIP Supplier Showcase, May 1st 2024
Softlink Information Centers (Softlink IC) is delighted to share that we will be at the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Supplier Showcase. Scheduled for 1 May 2024, this one-day event will take place at 113 Chancery Lane, London. On the day, attendees can meet with leading suppliers of library management solutions in a non-sales environment. They will have the opportunity to experience product demonstrations, discuss their specific needs, and build connections with suppliers.
Meet Softlink IC at RLUK24: Empowering Research Libraries with illumin
Softlink Information Centers (Softlink IC) is thrilled to be part of the RLUK24 Conference, happening virtually between March 20-22, 2024. This aims to dive deep into the evolving role of research libraries amid the rapid pace of technological advancements, with a special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) – their conference theme is “New Frontiers: The expanding scope of the modern research library.”
What a Week in Wellington! Our User Group Meeting and NZLLA Conference!
Members of the Softlink IC team travelled to Wellington, New Zealand to conduct an in-person User Group Meeting (UGM) for our clients based in New Zealand. Additionally, we had the opportunity to participate in the New Zealand Law Librarians Association (NZLLA) conference. What a week in Wellington!
Law Libraries Take on Boston at AALL 2023!
The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Annual Meeting & Conference, a much-awaited event in the legal information community, took place in Boston, MA from July 15 to July 18 this year. Sarah, Jeo, Chandler, and of course Alex the Alpaca, were there ready to welcome delegates at AALL’s biggest conference yet! The team was thrilled to attend and showcase our innovative solutions for law libraries and legal information professionals.
Softlink IC at the AALL 2023 Conference: Showcasing Liberty and illumin
We are excited to announce that Softlink IC will be attending the prestigious American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) 2023 Conference. This event is the perfect opportunity for legal information professionals to network, learn, and explore the latest trends in their field. The conference will take place from July 15-18, 2023, in the vibrant city of Boston MA, USA.
Save the Date for Softlink IC’s Virtual Open Day 2023
Softlink IC is thrilled to announce our upcoming Virtual Open Day on June 8th, 2023. After the success of our last open day – we’re back for another year! No matter where you are in the world, you can join us for this free event featuring six 30-minute presentations across three different time zones.
Meet Softlink IC at the BIALL 2023 Conference
Softlink IC is proud to be attending the upcoming British & Irish Association of Law Librarians (BIALL) Conference in Belfast, Ireland between 14 and 16 June 2023. We’re sure this conference will be packed with interesting and informative sessions and workshops, and we’re looking forward to connecting with other professionals in the legal industry.
Softlink Ignites Romanian Librarians’ Conference
Softlink Central Europe hosted a Softlink Open Day in Sibiu, Romania, marking the beginning of the 34th National Conference of the Romanian Librarians’ Association which ran from September 3 – 6 2024. The open day was designed to update the library community on the latest updates, features and solutions on offer.
2022 Year in Review
What a year 2022 was for Softlink IC! In this year in review, we want to take a moment to reflect on the successes and highlights from the past year!
Highlights From Our User Group Meetings in Melbourne and Wellington
We recently held two engaging User Group Meetings (UGMs) in Oceania, bringing together our wonderful community of Liberty and illumin users. Our first UGM took place in Melbourne, Australia, on August 22nd, followed by another in Wellington, New Zealand, on September 5th. Our UGM’s are designed to provide attendees with insights, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
Alex visits Hobart for the Australian Law Librarians’ Association (ALLA) Conference
Softlink Information Centers (Softlink IC) was at the 2022 Australian Law Librarians’ Association (ALLA) conference in Hobart, Tasmania between 24 – 26 August 2022. A biennial event hosted by ALLA, the conference is the major professional and business development event in the Association’s calendar.
Virtual Open Day Opens Minds
Softlink IC held our Virtual Open Day on 15 June 2022. We ran sessions across three time zones where registered participants discovered…
Meet Softlink IC at the 2022 American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Conference
Softlink Information Centres (Softlink IC) will be at the 2022 AALL conference! It’s going to be a great opportunity to show off our integrated library management system (ILMS) Liberty and our research management product, illumin. We’ll have members of our team onsite ready to say ‘hello!’. Visit our booth to snap a picture with the very dapper Alex the Alpaca and find out more about Liberty and illumin!
Save This Date for Softlink IC’s Virtual Open Day 2022
Our Softlink IC events page is looking fantastic for 2022! Remember to keep checking this page on our website so you can participate in events, free training opportunities or arrange a catch up with us at an upcoming conference.
Brisbane User Group Meeting Shares Tips, Tricks and Morning Tea
We were thrilled to host our first, post-COVID in-person User Group Meeting (UGM) on 5 May 2022. It’s been a while! This was hosted at Queensland’s Parliament House, one of our newest members to the Liberty and illumin family who implemented both products approximately 12 months ago.
It’s Super September. Free Library Webinars for Everyone!
Reports are a librarian’s best friend and extracting verifiable data from their integrated library management system (ILMS) is increasingly non-negotiable. Reporting ensures you are all over the information you and your management team need. Best of all, reports prove the value of a library!
The Virtual NZLLA and ALLA 2021 Conferences
Following our successful attendance at the July American Association of Law Librarians (AALL) online conference, Softlink IC turned its attention to the Southern hemisphere.
Our UK Virtual User Group Meeting Rounds Out the 2021 Series
And so, the series of Virtual User Group Meetings (VUGMs) and Masterclasses wound up in July with a very enthusiastic group of United Kingdom (UK) Liberty library management system users. The Softlink IC team were excited to catch up with them, albeit virtually, again this year. We would have loved to have met up face-to-face, but in these uncertain times that was not meant to be. Hopefully, next year!
Have you Completed Our 2021 #gotknowledge Annual Library Survey Yet?
The response to Softlink IC’s second #gotknowledge Library Survey has been outstanding with many librarians and library staff already sharing their feedback with us. We are excited to see that the 2021 survey will be bigger and better than last year. The survey closing date has been extended to the 31st of August, so don’t miss your chance to participate if you haven’t already!
An Outstanding Australia and New Zealand VUGM and Masterclass
The Softlink IC team were delighted at the record number of Liberty users who attended the second online Virtual User Group Meeting (VUGM) and Masterclass. It would have been brilliant if we could have all met face-to-face but in these uncertain times that was not meant to be. Hopefully, next year!
Marshall Breeding is Coming to the North American Virtual User Group Meeting!
Our North American Liberty library staff will get together for the annual User Group Meeting (UGM) on May 13. It will again be a virtual meeting as the travel restrictions continue to impact the opportunity for us all to meet up face-to-face. Last year’s virtual meeting was fun and informative, and we look forward to doing it all again.
The 2021 Digital Library Boot Camp Series Blast Off!
Softlink IC’s innovative boot camp series kicked off this year on the 3rd and 10th of February.
Softlink IC at the CIL and IL Connect 2020 Virtual Conference
Softlink IC was excited to be a part of this year’s Computers in Libraries (CIL) and Internet Librarian’s (IL) conference. It was an exciting opportunity to show off our library management system Liberty and our research management product, illumin.
Fun, Fantastic and Frenetic! The Online 2020 Australian Liberty Conference
Our Liberty library management system users in Australia look forward to our annual User Group Conference and Masterclass. As do the Softlink IC staff.
The Softlink IC #gotknowledge2020 Survey Closes Soon!
The Softlink Information Centres #gotknowledge2020 survey, designed to get to know you and our library sector even better, opened in early April. We have been delighted with the response we have received over the last 8 weeks. To all of you, who have already completed our survey, thank you!
Onwards, Upwards and Online for the 2020 New Zealand Liberty Conference
Our Liberty library management system users in New Zealand look forward to our annual User Group Conference and Masterclass. As do the Softlink IC staff.
First North American Online Liberty User Group Meeting a Great Success
Face-to face gatherings are preferable to many of us. However, the current health crisis means holding meetings and conferences in the traditional way is not possible. Fortunately, today’s technologies give us alternative ways to hold successful meetings. Last week, Softlink IC’s Online Liberty User Group Meeting was one such example.
The Softlink IC #gotknowledge2020 Survey is Now Open!
Our eagerly anticipated #gotknowledge2020 survey is now open. In the spirit of sharing, we are asking for 10 minutes of your time to complete this Softlink IC survey. We understand you are busy, and really do appreciate your time.
Save the Dates – Our Events Page is Filling Up!
The Softlink IC events calendar is like your dance card – filling up very quickly. It’s only mid-February, and already 2020 is looking even busier than 2019 if that’s possible!
Softlink Information Centres’ 2019 Year in Review
As we begin the journey into 2020, here’s a look at the year that was with Softlink Information Centres 2019 year in review, and what a great year it was!
The Melbourne Liberty Conference – How Quickly Did That Come and Go!
All that anticipation and all that enjoyment have come and gone for 2019. Is it us or is time just flying by? The Melbourne conference, an action-packed day of learning and interaction is over for another year.
Next Stop on the Liberty Training Schedule – The Windy City
The Chicago training day included a great mix of users who are relative newcomers to using Liberty and some old hands! Everyone learned a lot from each other in what was a lively and interactive day.
It was New York’s Turn in our Liberty v5 Training Day Schedule
The latest Liberty training day, held in fabulous New York, proved to be one of the most well attended yet!
Tips for Attending a Conference
For many in the library sector, the opportunity to attend a conference, like a Liberty User Group Meeting, will occur at some point. This is especially true for those working in medical, legal, academic, and government libraries. We all love an informative conference where networking opportunities are valuable. If you’re due to attend a conference soon, having a few tips on hand will help.
Here’s To Another Successful Liberty Conference in Wellington!
It is always sad when an event you looked forward to becomes a memory. The Softlink IC Liberty conference at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington was one of those.
The New Zealand MfE Library – A Great Way to Spend an Afternoon!
As is the custom, the Wellington Liberty User Group Conference was preceded by a site visit. This year, Ailsa Parker, Librarian at the Ministry for the Environment Library in Wellington was our generous host.
Back to Basics Liberty Training in Boston
Early May saw Softlink Information Centres Customer Services Manager, Maida Rubin, deliver another of her highly regarded free, face-to-face Liberty training sessions.
Guest Blogger, ESR’s Beryl Anderson Give us the Lowdown on Their First Ever Staff Conference
ESR held its first ever all staff conference in Wellington 11 – 12 April at Te Papa. Over 350 people from Auckland, Christchurch and the two Wellington locations of Kenepuru and Wallaceville, attended the two days.
Liberty Launch at Papua New Guinea University’s Michael Somare Library Makes the National News
The launch of the Liberty Library Management System at the University of Papua New Guinea’s Michael Somare Library was national news.
Softlink IC’s First Liberty Virtual User Group Meetings for 2019
Kicking off a packed 2019 calendar was the first of the 2019 Liberty Northern and Southern Hemisphere Virtual User Group Meetings (VUGMs). Held on the 24th of January, attendance numbers for both meetings were heartening especially at a time of the year that brings with it so many tasks needing your attention.
Northern Hemisphere’s Liberty Boot Camp Training Challenges a Hit
It was the Northern Hemisphere’s turn to accept the boot camp challenge. Held on the 30th of January and 6th of February, the one hour Liberty boot camps, proved extremely popular. Judging by the feedback, those who attend one or both camps left exhausted but very satisfied!
Louis Lum from the Catholic Diocese of Auckland Library is Retiring
Long-time Liberty user and librarian at the Catholic Diocese of Auckland (CDA) Library, Louis Lum, is retiring at the end of 2018. Louis has been a Liberty user since Softlink’s foray into New Zealand. It has been a pleasure getting to know and assist Louis over the years. We congratulate him on achieving 50 years in the library sector and send him warm wishes for a wonderful retirement.
The Liberty Boot Camp Training Sessions Challenge Completed!
Held on the 18th and 25th of October respectively the hour long, web based, Liberty boot camp training sessions proved extremely popular. Feedback from those who have attended so far show that it was extremely beneficial.
Liberty Training and User Group Meeting in Beautiful Edinburgh
October saw Softlink hold its free Liberty Training and User Group Meetings in the UK, the second of which was held in beautiful Edinburgh. Hosted by Colin McDowall librarian at the Royal College of Physicians, it was attended by a small but enthusiastic group of users who travelled from the West Midlands and North East England to join those more locally based.
London’s Turn for a Liberty Training and User Group Meeting
The 2018 calendar of the Liberty Training and User Group Meetings (UGMs) ended with the long-anticipated events in the UK. The first of the events kicked off in London on the 9th of October. Full of information sharing and interaction, it was enjoyed by all.
Box Hill Institute’s Students Play with Softlink ICs Liberty Training System
Box Hill Institute (BHI) includes Degree, Diploma, and Certificate IV courses in Library Studies. The Institute uses Softlink IC’s Liberty library management system as a training tool for their students. The resulting practice data amused the Institute’s staff.
The Final Liberty Virtual User Group Meetings for 2018 is a success!
It was a fantastic turnout for Liberty’s Northern and Southern Hemisphere Virtual User Group Meetings (VUGMs).
It’s a Wrap – Another Successful Liberty User Group Conference
Almost 50 librarians from education, legal, university colleges, industry and government libraries took part in our Melbourne National Liberty User Group Conference and Masterclass in late August with some taking the opportunity to visit the MCC library. They all had a great time and we would again like to thank David Studham and library staff.
Liberty Group Training and User Group Meetings Coming to the UK
Softlink Information Centres is holding face to face training followed by a user group meeting in London and Edinburgh on October the 9th and 11th respectively.
Brisbane Liberty Library Management System Training Proves Popular
Softlink Information Centres’ Brisbane head office was the venue for July’s Liberty library management system training. The free, face-to-face, customer training sessions were fully booked, as enthusiast Liberty users joined Softlink IC’s Alex and Sarah for a fun and interesting day.
New Zealand Librarians Meet Up for 2018 Liberty National User Conference
Almost forty librarians from government, public, academic, health, engineering and legal libraries took part in our New Zealand National User Conference and Masterclass in Wellington in June.
Liberty User Group and Training, Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea’s librarians are invited to register for our upcoming Liberty User Group and Group Training sessions. The free, half-day, events will be beneficial to librarians looking to enhance their Liberty library.
Users praise Philadelphia’s Liberty library management system training
Softlink’s Liberty library management system group training sessions headed to Philadelphia in June. Delivered by Maida Rubin, and hosted by Peirce College, the free group training provided big value for users.
Mobile apps in the Parliamentary Counsel Office library
With a theme of Global Impact, Local Footprint, the 2018 Australian Law Librarian’s Association (ALLA) conference program has a strong focus on law library technology.
Law Library Apps and Knowledge Management in Focus at ALLA 2018
Softlink headed to Darwin for the 2018 ALLA conference in May. Sarah Thompson manned the exhibition stand and enjoyed the chance to meet with our law library users and partners.
Warm Wishes to Lyn Walker on Her Move to Retirement
After 12 years with the Softlink team, and over 35 in the library and information field, we would like to extend our warm wishes and thanks to Lyn Walker on her move to retirement.
The Role of Data Management Discussed at NZ Science and Research Conference
130 staff from New Zealand’s Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) came together in Wellington recently to discuss the great science being undertaken across their four science centres, as well as the valuable work of their support staff (including ESR’s Information and Research Services team).