Contact Us

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.

5 Library System Features You Could Be Using (But You Probably Aren’t)

Today, most special libraries and archives aren’t taking full advantage of their current library management systems. Not because the tools aren’t there, but because it’s time consuming to explore everything between daily tasks like urgent research requests, maintaining compliance, or supporting internal projects.

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.

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.

Employee Spotlight – Nicholas

Meet Nicholas, our APAC Sales & Account Manager, who joined the team in June 2024. Working remotely from Auckland, New Zealand, Nicholas plays a key role in connecting potential customers across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific with our solutions, Liberty Digital and illumin.

In the latest instalment of our Employee Spotlight series, we get to know Nicholas, explore his role further, and what drives him in his day-to-day work.

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.

Unlocking the Hidden Value in Your Library Collection

As a law or government librarian, your collection is one of your greatest assets – second only to your expertise and knowledge. But even the most carefully curated resources can sit underutilized if your users and stakeholders don’t know they exist. While many libraries spend significant budgets on collections, the real value comes when those resources are actively used to inform research, support decisions, and drive your organization’s goals.

Charting the Future of Libraries: Highlights from ABR 2025 in Oradea

Earlier this month, Softlink Information Centres was proud to attend the 35th National Conference of the Romanian Library Association (ABR 2025) in beautiful Oradea, Romania. Hosted in collaboration with Softlink Central Europe, the University of Oradea, and the newly modernized “Gheorghe Șincai” Bihor County Library, this year’s conference reflected a renewed energy and vision for libraries in the digital age.

The Complete Guide to Choosing a New Integrated Library System (ILS) in 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving world of library and information management, choosing the right Integrated Library System (ILS) can transform your library’s operations and enhance the user experience. This guide will walk you through what an ILS can do for your organization, the key considerations to keep in mind, the must-have features to look for, and the practical steps to make the right choice. And if you pair it with our latest webinar, Time to Switch? How to Know (and Do) an ILS Upgrade Right, you’ll have both the strategy and the confidence to take your next step.

Why You Should Always Encourage Patrons to Explore Digital Archives First

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s essential for corporate, legal, government, and special libraries to encourage teams and stakeholders to explore digital archives first for smarter, more secure, and more efficient research. With solutions like Liberty Digital, you can collect, preserve, and provide long-term access to digitized or born-digital materials, making critical information available anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s case files, reports, policy papers, or multimedia records, digital archives offer a searchable, organized alternative to physical files – saving time and supporting better discovery. Promoting these resources early helps staff find what they need faster, reduces wear on physical collections, and meets modern expectations for on-demand access and compliance.

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.

Then vs. Now: How Research Libraries Are Powering Discovery with Liberty Digital and illumin

Research libraries have always been centers of knowledge and innovation, but the role they play today is vastly different from what it was even a decade ago. As the research landscape grows more complex, combined with rapid digital transformation, traditional systems can no longer keep up. To meet these demands, research libraries are transforming. Integrated solutions such as Liberty Digital and illumin, replace outdated systems with flexible platforms purpose-built for today’s knowledge and research management needs.

Ensure Security and Privacy in Your Library System

In today’s digital age, security and privacy in library systems are paramount. This guide gives an overview of key security practices in libraries and information centers and how they can safeguard their data and resources.

Tidy Up Your Library: 7 Simple Steps for a Clean Catalog

cluttered computer screen in need of a tidy-up

Over time, even the best-maintained systems can benefit from a little spring cleaning. Tidying up your library management system (LMS) is a great way to keep things in top shape. While data cleanup might sound like a big task, it’s easier than you think – and crucial for ensuring your system runs efficiently.

Wrapping Up 2024 User Group Meetings in Brisbane

Brisbane User Group Meeting image

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

User Group Meetings line drawing

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.

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Library System Could Do

Integrated Library Systems (ILS) have come a long way and our ILS, Liberty, is at the forefront of this evolution. Over the years, Liberty has introduced many innovative features designed to make managing your library’s resources easier and more efficient.

Join Softlink at the ALLA 2024 Conference in Adelaide!

bird on map of south Australia with all conference logo

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

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.

Welcome to a New Era: Liberty Digital Unleashed

Softlink Information Centers is excited to introduce Liberty Digital, an innovative platform set to redefine the landscape of library and archive management. Launched at our recent Virtual Open Day on May 30, 2024, Liberty Digital joins our suite of products, which includes Liberty (an Integrated Library System or ILS) and illumin (a research and reference management tool). The best news of all? It’s available now for your library or archive, read on to find out more! 

The Future is Near: Liberty Digital is Coming Soon

Liberty Digital Sign being revealed from behind red wrapping paper

For over four decades, Softlink has been at the forefront of digital transformation. Softlink was one of the first to offer a Library Management System when libraries were transitioning from card catalogs to computers and one of the first to pioneer web-based systems for library management.

Where to Find Softlink IC in 2024: A Year of Learning, Innovation, and Connections

Conference showing Softlink IC in attendance

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.

Liberty Link: The Key to a 24/7 Library in Your Pocket

In today’s digital era, libraries are adapting to new technologies to enhance their services and user engagement. Softlink IC’s mobile app Liberty Link is designed to provide easy access to your Liberty catalog directly from your mobile device.

5 Easy Steps to Digitization In Your Library: A Beginners Guide

Picture of digital resources laid over a library with bookshelves

The digital revolution has transformed the way we access and interact with information. For libraries, knowledge and information centers, this revolution presents a unique opportunity to extend their reach and impact. By digitizing your collection, you can make your resources more accessible and relevant in today’s digital world. Follow these five easy steps to successfully start digitizing your library.

Revolutionizing Law Libraries – Essential Features of Library Management Tools

In the ever-evolving landscape of legal libraries, the integration of advanced library management software is emerging as a crucial element in modernizing these knowledge hubs. With legal professionals grappling with increasingly complex research demands, selecting the right Integrated Library System (ILS) is becoming essential. This blog explores seven key features of an ideal law library management system.

Elevate Your Library Game – Let Our Helpdesk Level You Up

The letters "H", "E", "L" and "P" pegged to an overhead line

At some point in our lives, we all encounter situations where a little assistance can go a long way. In the realm of libraries, the same holds true. As a Softlink IC customer using our integrated library management system Liberty, or our knowledge and research management software illumin, regardless of if you’re a newcomer seeking guidance or an experienced solo librarian in need of fresh ideas, our helpdesk is here to provide support and solutions. Let’s explore 5 outside the box reasons why you might want to reach out to our helpdesk.

Discovering Your Ideal ILMS: Key Factors to Consider

Four people holding large pieces of a puzzle

In today’s digital age, libraries are constantly looking for ways to enhance their efficiency and productivity. One solution that is a proven winner is the adoption of an Integrated Library Management System (ILMS).

Exploring Trends in Law Libraries for 2023 – Embracing Innovation and Inclusion

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, law libraries play a vital role in providing essential resources and services to legal professionals and researchers. In 2023, several emerging trends are shaping the field of law libraries, transforming the way they operate. This blog post will delve into five key trends that are driving innovation and inclusivity in law libraries.

What a Week in Wellington! Our User Group Meeting and NZLLA Conference!

Alex the Alpaca at Wellington

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!

The Exciting Return of Melbourne’s Liberty User Group Meeting

Pictures from the Melbourne UGM

We recently hosted our highly anticipated, in-person, User Group Meeting (UGM) in Melbourne, Australia. The day was filled with valuable insights, informative sessions, and demonstrations; we even welcomed enthusiastic attendees from the distant shores of Papua New Guinea. We were excited to welcome users back to real life, in-person events reigniting opportunities for networking and sharing.

Employee Spotlight – Callum

Meet Callum, he joined our team in 2022 as a developer. He’s based in our Australian offices and we get to know a little bit more about him in the latest of our Softlink Information Centers Employee Spotlight series.

Scanning for Success: How Using QR Codes Can Transform your Library

Montage of QR codes

Are you ready to bring your library to the next level? Look no further than QR codes! As we embrace the digital age, libraries are constantly exploring innovative ways to showcase their services and collections to patrons. These nifty little squares can instantly connect patrons to a wealth of information about the library or knowledge center, events, collections, and so much more – all with a simple scan from their smartphone.

Law Libraries Take on Boston at AALL 2023!

Montage of Alex the Alpaca 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.

When We Talk About Our Live Chat Feature, We Mean Live Chat

Providing support is an important part of customer service. For Softlink IC, live chat is now indispensable. It adds another string to our already great support delivery bow. Our Liberty and illumin software customers have another effective avenue to chat to a real Support team member quickly. We don’t know if the customers of other library management system vendors talk to a real support person via a live chat option, but ours certainly do!

Does Your Library or Research System Provide Integration Options?

Integrating a library management or request and research system with third-party solutions can have a huge impact on efficiency and user experiences. Liberty Digital and illumin offer a wide range of integrations to help manage resources, requests and research.

Softlink IC at the AALL 2023 Conference: Showcasing Liberty and illumin

AALL 2023 conference logo

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.

Lift Your Library to New Heights: 5 Reasons to Use Library Management Systems

5 reasons to use a library management system

Library Management System (LMS) software is an effective solution to help companies manage their corporate content with ease, granting access to a diverse collection of research material, eBooks, manuals, journals, documents, and books. But why should businesses purchase LMS software? This blog will provide you with five great reasons why an LMS can be beneficial for organizations of any size!

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

BIALL image

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.

7 Tips for Success in Your 1-person Library

When you’re running a 1-person library, there are many strategies you can employ to ensure success. From organizing and managing your time, to leveraging technology, and getting creative with marketing, there’s a lot to consider. These tips are from a recent webinar we offered, and in this blog, we’ll be sharing those 7 tips to help you out:

Why Every Corporate Library Needs a Mobile App

As a librarian, you know that a well-stocked library is an asset in any organization. But have you considered adding a mobile app to your cache of resources? Whether your library is big or small, a mobile app can offer many benefits including efficiency and patron convenience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top reasons why your corporate library needs a mobile app.

Enhance Your Catalog Homepage in Just 10 Minutes!

If your library doesn’t have a brand yet, it’s time to think about what would make the space recognizable. Can users and non-users alike easily recognize your homepage? If not, then there is room for improvement!

Queensland Museum Chooses Softlink IC’s Liberty

Queensland Museum Building

The Queensland Museum recently chose Softlink Information Centres’ (Softlink IC) Liberty as their integrated library software. Liberty offers a variety of features to the museum library such as a discovery and federated search, mobile app, multi-factor authentication and the capability to perform OCR on PDF files. This certainly ticked all the boxes for the museum library’s needs!

2022 Year in Review

Softlink IC staff photo

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!

Exploring the World of Parliamentary Librarians

Libraries are some of the most exciting places to work, and as a librarian, you get to use a variety of skills every day. In this blog series, we’ll look at the types of skills and knowledge necessary for working in a library, knowledge or resource center. And we’ll showcase some specific sectors where you’re bound to find a librarian! We’ll start off with the work librarians do in a parliamentary setting. So, if you’ve ever wondered about working in a library, keep reading to learn more about the skills you’ll need to succeed!

Who Has the Best Library Homepage? Here Are Our Top Picks!

This is a blog with a twist. We know Liberty Digital is packed full of fantastic features and functionality. One of its best features is the flexible and customizable homepage which means you can create a homepage or OPAC (online public access catalog) as unique as your organization.

5 Easy Steps to Digitization in Your Library

The digital revolution has transformed the way we access and interact with information. For libraries, knowledge and information centers, this revolution presents a unique opportunity to extend their reach and impact. By digitizing your collection, you can make your resources more accessible and relevant in today’s digital world. Follow these five easy steps to successfully start digitizing your library.

Why Our Customer Support Team Is Everything to Us

computer headset next to alex the alpaca

At Softlink Information Centres, you probably know we provide library, knowledge and research management solutions. Our products, Liberty and illumin, are used by hundreds of businesses around the world from some of the largest multi-branch law firms to single branch non-profit organizations.

4 Ways to Secure and Protect Your ILMS – Part 2

Part 2 of the Secure and Protect blog

In part 1 of our last blog post we looked at how Softlink IC protects our products. Part 2 of this blog will show you how you can secure and protect sensitive data, documents and resources or modules in Liberty.

4 Ways to Secure and Protect Your ILMS – Part 1

Part 1 of the Secure and Protect blog

Library Management System (LMS) software is an effective solution to help companies manage their corporate content with ease, granting access to a diverse collection of research material, eBooks, manuals, journals, documents, and books. But why should businesses purchase LMS software? This blog will provide you with five great reasons why an LMS can be beneficial for organizations of any size!

Make the Age of Information Work for You!

various clocks displayed on a wall near some bookshelves

It’s true, we are living in an Age of Information and for some of our Liberty users, perhaps they know nothing other than borrowing books via the Liberty App. While other Liberty users may recall the smell of books, as a young kid they entered that large room with stacks of resources, spacious seating and large group study tables known as the library. A place to get lost, to be inspired, to hang out or to just sit and absorb the quiet while reading the daily news.

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.

You’ll Never Guess Our Most Popular Liberty Feature of 2022!

screenshot of most popular liberty feature

There’s a lot to love in our latest Liberty v5 Build 8.053 release. As usual there’s something for everyone, one feature we’ve noticed people are really in love with is our new option to add subpages to the homepage. We’ve seen how this feature has made using Liberty an even better experience than for our users, and their library users.

We Can Solve Your Digital Content Cataloging Problems!

hand holding a mobile phone in a library

In most instances, library staff have been responsible for managing resources to ensure they are properly cataloged, making it easy for patrons to find. They add all the correct information on the catalog record and make sure it’s in the right location. It’s no secret this work requires accuracy and attention to detail!

5 Liberty Features That’ll Grab Your Attention

Liberty Latest Features image

There’s a lot to love in our latest Liberty v5 Build 8.053 release. As usual, there’s something for everyone! We did a quick office poll with the Softlink IC staff about what features to highlight, and we’ve listed our top 5 Liberty features below.

Alex’s Adventures at the 2022 AALL Conference

Alex the Alpaca at AALL22

Softlink Information Centers (Softlink IC) was at the 2022 American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) conference from 16 – 19 July. The conference was a great opportunity to show off our integrated library management system (ILMS) Liberty and our research management product, illumin.

Virtual Open Day Opens Minds

Library - Library management

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

American Association of Law Libraries - Library

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!

End the eBook Mystery

Font - Text

eBooks are not new. They’ve been around since the 70s (that’s right, the 1970s, not a typo!). However, for libraries and knowledge centers, eBooks have grown tremendously in popularity since the early 2000s and they have their place on library ‘shelves’ for a few reasons.

Brisbane User Group Meeting Shares Tips, Tricks and Morning Tea

Library - Softink IC

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.

Waikato Regional Council Case Study

Waikato District - Road

Our wonderful Liberty customers from Waikato Regional Council (WRC) started a revolution with their move to Liberty v5! As long-standing users of Liberty (since 2005), 2020 was the year for a big change. An overview of their case study is the focus of this blog, and the full case study will be published soon.

Top 6 Picks in the Latest Liberty Release

Font - top

We’re getting 2022 off to a great start with the latest Liberty release. As usual, there’s something for everyone! It did provoke some discussion amongst the Softlink IC staff about what features to highlight and after much discussion, we came up with 6 of the new features we know will make using Liberty an even better experience than ever for our users.

Fill Your Library with Digital Content!

It’s no secret libraries are evolving, the 21st century is all about digital content in your catalog! Increasingly, libraries are focused on managing digital information. Not only is data increasingly being produced in digital format, more and more people expect access to information anywhere, anytime. Softlink IC’s Liberty Digital can bring your newly digitized content and other electronic files to life for your users with an easy to navigate homepage you can get to anytime, anywhere.

4 Tips for Setting Up Your Library Blog

Have you been trying to find ways to promote your library other than through newsletters, mailouts, and reminder notices? Have you thought about blogs? Blogging is a way to promote your library and its services or distribute news that may be of interest to library users. Time dedicated to blogging can vary depending on how in-depth or short and newsy you want your blogs (articles) to be.

Secrets & Keyboard Shortcuts …Are You Paying Attention?

University of North Carolina Greensboro - Computer Science

If you’re baking, using shortcuts might not always result in a perfect cake.

But, for busy library staff, an integrated library management system (ILMS) with lots of keyboard shortcuts is the way to get the results you want quickly. They make navigating to different screens and functions very efficient. Did you know your Liberty ILMS provides lots of shortcuts?

2021 in Review

Library - Integrated library system

Thanks for another great year!

It’s the beginning of 2022 and a perfect time for Softlink IC to look back at 2021 and marvel at the achievements, the fun, and the wonderful interactions we have had with our Liberty and illumin customers. Here’s looking forward to a great year ahead!

Tips and Treats – Craft a Carousel

Christmas - Image

Last, but by no means least, we come to the fourth and final blog in our Tips and Treats series. In this series, we’ve looked at changes you may have been meaning to do for a while, followed by a holiday treat. The holiday period, when many of your users are on a short break, is a great time just do them!

Tips and Tricks – A Vibrant Video

Christmas - Stock photography

The holiday season only comes once a year. As we mentioned in our earlier blogs in this series, it can also be a great time, while many of your users are on a short break, to tackle some of the changes you’ve been meaning to do for a while.

Offering Digital Resources in Your Library

Library of Catalonia - Library

Librarians understand digital resource collections are an increasingly important way to increase their reach and value to their library users. But what do librarians need to consider and how do they go about providing digital resources? Softlink IC gives librarians a brief overview of how to ensure their library embraces the digital library resources revolution.

Holiday Tips and Treats – Simplify Your Search Box

Christmas - Image

The holiday season comes but once a year and for our Liberty users, there’s all those end-of-year tasks to complete. But while many of your users are on a short break, it can be a great time to tackle some of the changes you may have been thinking about for a while.

Legal Librarians Love Current Awareness

Supreme Court of Lithuania - Crime

Legal librarians manage a diverse set of information requirements from a diverse range of staff. It’s why they love an efficient and effective way to automatically inform their firm’s staff of the latest information of interest. A current awareness service (CAS) is necessary tool in their kit of user focused services.

3 Ways to Make New Employees Love Your Library

Senlin Ascends - How to Read a Book

Your integrated library management system (ILMS) fits everyone’s needs like a glove. You’ve ensured access to the library’s dynamic homepage is easy and honed your outreach processes. As a result, the organization’s existing staff recognize the library as the invaluable asset it is and are already love and support the library.

5 Reasons Why Your Data is Safe and Secure with Softlink IC

Computer security - Computers and information technology

Security awareness, and practices to protect our customers’ library and the organization’s data they manage, is something Softlink IC takes very seriously. In November 2020, we posted a blog discussing the security sins our Liberty integrated library management system (ILMS) customers should be aware of, as they continue to ensure their data is safe.

Access LinkedIn Learning™ Through Your Liberty Library

Published November 12, 2021

The range of resources and services today’s libraries offer continues to expand. As well as the usual digital materials, audio books and access to online databases, many now offer free access to online learning databases like Mango™ for learning languages.

Another online learning database Liberty libraries are offering is LinkedIn Learning. It is an easy to access, comprehensive online learning database. It delivers benefits for the organization and the organization’s staff. Better yet, it reinforces the library as central to the access of information and learning, and now LinkedIn Learning integrates with Liberty.

The Top 5 New Features in Our Latest ILMS Release

Library - Online advertising

Consider the latest Liberty integrated library management system (ILMS) release as an early Christmas present from Softlink IC! There is a lot to love about Liberty v5 Build 8.049. After some debate, the team have decided on their top 5 new features.

Is Your Current Awareness Service the Best it Can Be?

Human - Current Awareness Service

The digital era is resulting in less direct physical interaction between library staff and the library’s users. Current Awareness is an increasingly ‘must have’ feature any integrated library management system (ILMS) as an effective way to keep the library, its staff, and services front and center in the minds of existing and future users.

Official Launch of Liberty in Vietnam

Trung Son residential area - Education

Softlink IC is pleased to announce that on the 15th of September 2021, in conjunction with the Sao Mai Education Group, Liberty, our integrated library management system, was launched to libraries across Vietnam.

How to Promote Your Library to Your Target Audience

create - Online advertising

Think of the major brands that are recognizable by their logo, their color scheme, the product they sell, and the message they deliver. Then think about whether your library is recognizable to your users and non-users in the same way. If not, you need to consider how you “brand” your library.

Alex the Alpaca Has His Own Instagram Account

Train - Freepik

We all know the feeling. That temptation to give in to a child who keeps bugging you about getting something they want. Whether it’s sweets, a new bicycle, or a mobile phone with all the bells and whistles, the nagging won’t stop before they get it, or you are fit to be tied. For the sake of peace, you give in, and so it has come to pass for our illumin representative, Alex the Alpaca. Yep, we at Softlink IC gave in.

The #gotknowledge 2021 Library Survey is Now Closed!

Graphic design - Logo

The Softlink IC #gotknowledge library survey for 2021 closed on the 31st of August. We were delighted that as the month rapidly came to a close, we received a flurry of completed surveys to add to an already record number returned over the last 3 months. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our survey, it is greatly appreciated.

It’s Super September. Free Library Webinars for Everyone!

International English Language Testing System - Exam

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

Stock photography - Microphone

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

Graphic design - Poster

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!

Top 5 Library Management System Features You Can’t Live Without

Graphic design - top

While Softlink IC’s integrated library management system (ILMS), Liberty, is chock-a-block with brilliant features, the 5 most popular library management system features of all time are a mixture of unsurprising but commonly required functionality in an ILMS, and a couple that are unique to Liberty.

Have you Completed Our 2021 #gotknowledge Annual Library Survey Yet?

Graphic design - Logo

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!

How to Source eBooks for Your Library

Are you wanting to increase your library’s eBook offerings? You’re not alone. Libraries are increasingly offering digital as well as hard copy resources. EBooks are just one of a wide variety of eresources that are an increasingly common offering in all types of libraries, from specials to public. But where can librarians, who want to provide more eBooks to their users, buy them?

An Outstanding Australia and New Zealand VUGM and Masterclass

Graphic design - Poster

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!

Using RSS Feeds to Boost Your Digital Resource Offerings

Illustration - Text

Librarians love finding ways to increase information offerings to their users. There is so much content on the internet that is regularly created, posted, and broadcast, on a regular and semi-regular basis. There is much of that content, librarians would love to add to their catalog.

Beginner’s Guide to Reporting in Your Library

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!

There’s another reason why reporting in your library is vital. Have you ever had to argue a case for increases to budgets, new technology, an up-to-date ILMS, additional eResources, or additional staff? Asking for more like David Copperfield with a bowl in his hands, won’t work for librarians any more than it did for him!

Softlink IC understands the real value of reporting. Our customers love Liberty’s Reporting and Analytics features. So, if you are a beginner and part of your responsibility is to produce various reports, where do you begin? Here are a few tips that may help!

Magisterial Services Library Goes Live With Liberty

Image - Stock photography

In late April, Papua New Guinea’s Magisterial Services Library installed Liberty to meet their need for a fully web-based integrated library management system (ILMS). Last week they completed training and are looking forward to working smarter with Liberty. Softlink IC is delighted to welcome them and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.

4 Key Takeaways From the North American Liberty User Group

Graphic design - Poster

The free, annual North American Liberty User Group Meeting held on May 13th, was again held online due to travel restrictions. Nonetheless, we were delighted that many of our library customers could join us for an action-packed afternoon despite many commenting they now have Zoom fatigue!

Marshall Breeding Kicks Off Successful User Group Meeting

Graphic design - Poster

The Liberty Virtual User Group Meeting (VUGM) 2021 “season” kicked off on May 13. An enthusiastic group of users registered and attended an informative and fun afternoon. All Liberty users who registered for the VUGM will be sent a recording shortly so those who could not attend due to unexpected events will not miss out entirely!

It’s All About Accessibility for Library Management Systems

Published May 14, 2021

James Martin, Softlink IC’s Development Manager has a little accessibility challenge for our Liberty library management system (LMS) users.

Close your eyes. Now, try sending an email to your boss (this should be fun). How can you use a computer without being able to see the screen? How do you select a program? What use is a mouse? Once you get into a program, how do you find your way around? This is the problem facing millions of blind users worldwide.

Fortunately, there are tools and standards out there to help. There are also organizations whose sole focus is to define a consistent approach that software can implement to make a program accessible to everyone.

I Never Knew I Could Do That!

Illustration - Speech

The Liberty library management system is feature and functionality packed. So much so that many of these features can slip your memory! So we thought a few tips and reminders of a selection of time saving and effective functionality might be useful!

Future Trends and Services in Libraries

A significant increase in access to libraries online via their Home page, self-service options, mobile technology, and expanding digital resource collections was already evidenced prior to COVID-19’s impact. This was borne out by the results of Softlink IC’s #gotknowledge2020 library survey. Fortunately, many library staff have been assisted by feature rich, cloud-based library management systems (LMSs) like Liberty during a what has been a challenging 2020.

One of the aspects the survey sought to identify was what library and knowledge center workers themselves believed would be the emerging trends and services that would influence their libraries in the future.

Not a ‘Spare Seat’ for the PNG Cataloging Workshop

Case study - Business

Last week’s Cataloging workshop was a great success. Softlink IC’s Aaron Rose delivered the virtual workshop to a packed ‘house’ of enthusiastic Librarians from Papua New Guinea. Many of the attendees even brought along members of their staff. The more the merrier!

For Librarians, Sharing Knowledge is Sharing Power

Stock photography - Photograph

It’s hard to imagine a time when most of us could not, relatively easily, access information. There was a time, when all the general population knew only what was told to them by those in positions of power. For those in power, controlling information, and therefore knowledge, was what kept them in their position. Fortunately, for many of us, times have changed!

The Increasing Sophistication of Artificial Intelligence and Libraries

To paraphrase Ratty’s conversation to Mole, in A. A. Milne’s wonderful Wind in the Willows, Softlink IC’s developers have been “messing about” in artificial intelligence (AI). That’s not to say our developers aren’t intelligent. Certainly, they are clever enough to recognize the importance of artificial intelligence now and into the future.

Marshall Breeding is Coming to the North American Virtual User Group Meeting!

Graphic design - Poster

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.

How to Increase Your Library’s Usage in 5 Easy Steps

Library staff are committed to helping, informing, and inspiring everyone. They are focussed on the converted and currently unconverted. Hiding their light under a bushel is not part of any library staff’s DNA. A great library management system like Liberty, an intranet, and social media give them the tools to reach their audience and increase their library’s usage.

Here are 5 ways library staff can increase their library’s usage in their organizations and communities.

The Future of Library Access and Digital Resources is Now

Exam - Vector graphics

A significant increase in access to libraries online – their homepage, search options and digital resources was already evidenced prior to COVID-19’s impact. This was borne out by the results of Softlink IC’s #gotknowledge2020 survey.

Haven’t Seen Liberty Lately? Here’s a Sneak Peek at What’s New

Multimedia - Product design

Like libraries, Liberty, Softlink IC’s integrated library system (ILS) doesn’t rest on its laurels. There’s always new features and enhancements to be added to stay ahead of the game. If it’s been a while since you looked at Liberty, here’s a sneak peek at what’s new!

6 Reasons Our Cloud-based Library Management System is the One

Library - Digital library

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty! There are library management systems (LMSs) and then there’s our Liberty cloud-based library management system. And, by the way, it’s been fully cloud-based for eons. Every LMS does the basics. Softlink IC’s Liberty takes those basics to a whole new level. Then there’s the ‘love to have’ features, many that have come standard for years. Bit of a trailblazer really.

Why Replace Your Legacy Library Management System?

Floppy Disk - Data

A surprising number of library and knowledge centers still use legacy library software. Yes, it may still work, but times have changed. New technologies and user expectations are making it increasingly risky to hang on to your old, custom built, or legacy library management system.

Are You Getting Real Value from Your Library Home Page?

Graphic design - Digital display advertising

Are you taking the fullest advantage of your Liberty library management system (LMS) Home page? We know investing in library software to manage and promote your collection and services is significant, so getting real value is crucial!

12 Days of Christmas ‘Gifts’ for Your Library Management System

Birthday - Gift

‘Tis the season and thoughts turn to gift giving and receiving. For the most part, our thoughts don’t turn to what we can give our library management systems (LMS) and its users. Getting a gift for your LMS is like giving a gift to you, your staff, and your users. How good are those types of gifts!

The Softlink IC #gotknowledge2020 Survey Report is Here!

Graphic design - Logo

Softlink Information Centres, developers of the Liberty library management system, has always sought to gain an even deeper understanding of the library and knowledge centers and their staff. The management and sharing of knowledge is our common passion.

How to Get Your Library Ready for the New Year!

Skidompha Public Library - Library

2020 has affected everyone’s time perception. Our points of references have been skewed! Softlink IC gets it! So, we thought we’d help by suggesting some end of year tasks that should be considered by our Liberty users. It is, after all, a library management system that is your best friend when it comes to getting things done quickly and efficiently.

Our Top 5 Liberty New Features for 2020

2021 - Awards & Recognition

Despite the challenges everyone has faced in 2020, Softlink IC continued to focus on delivering even more functionality and enhancing existing functionality. Our Liberty users are a diverse bunch. What is critical for our legal libraries may not be so for our medical, theological, or public libraries. It is a balancing act that we think we got right again this year!

Outsmart Serials with the Latest Liberty Release!

Image - Magazine

Libraries and knowledge center staff have always put their users first. As their partners, Softlink Information Centres continues to deliver functionality our customers request in every new Liberty release.

A Sneak Peek at Softlink IC’s #gotknowledge2020 Survey Report!

Line - Font

Softlink Information Centres (IC) would like to take this opportunity to once again, thank all who participated in our inaugural Softlink Information #gotknowledge2020 survey. The survey was designed to investigate and analyze work patterns, identify staffing, resource and budget trends, the services currently delivered and collect opinions on future trends.

Are You Committing One or More of These Top 5 Security Sins?

For Knowledge and IT Staff, ensuring the security of the operating systems they use and the data they manage is their most important responsibility. From their organization’s operating systems to software like integrated library systems (ILS), they are all about protecting user privacy and the organization’s data.

Despite the best intentions, security gaps can result. No one is perfect and we all need help sometimes. With that in mind, Softlink IC would like to share with you what we believe are the 5 top possible security sins that could be committed!

Knowledge Professionals Care About Your Data Security

Data breach - Data loss prevention software

Valuing data, and its appropriate security, is nothing new for Knowledge and IT professionals. Softlink IC is deeply aware of the focus these professionals have, not only curating valid, verifiable information, but protecting sensitive data from those who would use it for questionable purposes. Many information professionals understand there is a growing fear among their users about their own personal data. Who is accessing it? For what purpose?

Dirty Data Cleaned Dirt Cheap!

Drawer - Stock photography

It is not an easy thing to ensure that data imported, or manually added, into your library management system (LMS) is clean. Having clean data is critical to ensuring the results returned from any search is a true reflection of your resources.

5 Ways Our Customers Get Their Organization Involved With Liberty

Illustration - Conversation

Once Softlink IC’s customers decided it was well and truly time to implement Liberty as their new library management system (LMS) they identified 5 major tasks to ensure their users’ support. Picking their new system was the result of a lot of time, energy, and preparation so buy-in from everyone in the organization, not just the library staff, was crucial.

Make Life Easy for Users with Softlink IC’s Single Sign On Module

Computer Keyboard - Computer

Many of our Softlink IC customers have taken advantage of our Single Sign On (SSO) module. It makes life so much easier for Liberty and illumin users. It benefits you, your staff, and your library’s users. So what is SSO and what are the benefits of using it as your authentication method?

5 Reasons Businesses Need Librarians

Information on the web may be easy to find quickly. But is it the information your organization needs? Is it from a valid source, up-to-date and accurate? Is it applicable to the organization’s requirements? That is what a librarian, using a functionally rich integrated library system (ILS) or research management system (RMS) will deliver efficiently. Organizations need librarians to gain an advantage in an increasingly competitive business environment.

Liberty’s Smart Serials Coming to a Library Near You!

Laptop - Computer

Cataloging and managing serials can be a complex process. Softlink IC, in consultation with our customers, set about simplifying serials management in Liberty, our library management system. We haven’t thrown the previously significant functionality out with the bathwater! The result is Smart Serials and, if the feedback we’ve received from customers who have seen a preview is anything to go by, we know you’re going to love it.

Our Top 4 Working from Home Tips for Liberty and illumin Users

Table - Desk

Did you expect to love the flexibility of working from home or is it your idea of a nightmare? Have you found that you are enjoying your new work environment but finding it more of a challenge than you expected? Are you juggling other tasks like childcare or home schooling, or tempted to “just do xyz because it is distracting me”?

5 Steps on the Journey to a New Library Management System

Is your current library management system having trouble coping with the exciting challenges your knowledge center staff face? Is a new library management system the answer? If so, Softlink IC believes Liberty is the system for you. It will meet your current and future needs. But we do understand you might want to do a bit of research and evaluation before you take our word for it!

6 Easy Steps for Switching to Liberty!

easy - Product

So you have decided Liberty is your ideal new library management system. What’s stopping you from taking the plunge? Is it tempting to stick with your clunky old library system because it might be easier than changing it?

4 Important Email Notifications You Should be Sending Your Library Users

Regular contact with your library and information center users is vital. This means keeping them informed of research services, reminding them about their loaned items, or planned events. It reinforces your value to them. Making sure you keep in contact via email is the ideal way to do that. If you use our Liberty Library Management System, it’s a breeze.

Liberty Makes Managing Copyright Obligations in the Digital Era Easy

Copyright - Intellectual property

Technologies grow in complexity. The number of digital collections in libraries is expanding. Managing the copyright obligation of those resources is a significant task for library staff. Liberty, Softlink IC’s library management system (LMS), includes a Copyright module. It is designed to make it easier for library staff to manage copyright obligations.

Need Contact Tracing Post COVID-19? Liberty’s Got You Covered

Contact tracing - Digital contact tracing

COVID-19 restrictions are easing, and libraries are gradually opening to users again. For our Liberty Library Management System customers, this is very welcome. Ensuring the library can remain open once visitors are welcomed back becomes a major consideration.

The Latest Liberty Release Delivers Again!

Web page - Computer program

Libraries and knowledge center staff have always put their users first. The era of COVID-19 sees our Liberty users pushing that ethos even further. As their partners, Softlink Information Centres continues to deliver functionality our customers request in every new Liberty release.

Our Liberty and illumin APIs Make Liberty and illumin do the Work

Vector graphics - Illustration

Integration, automation, and positive user experiences is the aim of Softlink IC’s Web Services APIs. They enable integration of your existing complementary systems and resources with Liberty and illumin. Both solutions have a full API to ensure your library achieves a greater return on investment.

Need Cost Effective Cloud Storage for Your Digital Resources?

Light - Wallpaper

Do you already have a large number of digital resources? Do you have more resources that, in an ideal world, you would love to digitize, but storage is an issue? Our hosted Liberty users are finding Softlink IC’s Massive Knowledge Repository (MKR) solution is the answer.

First North American Online Liberty User Group Meeting a Great Success

Graphic design - Product design

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.

Lockdown Task Opportunities

Insurance - Health insurance

Interesting times! Many in the knowledge sector are working from home. Some are still working in their libraries and knowledge centers where limited foot traffic is the current norm.

The Softlink IC’s #gotknowledge2020 Library Survey is Coming Soon

Graphic design - Logo

For the past nine years, Softlink has put out its well-regarded annual school library survey. On April 16, 2020, Softlink IC will launch the first of its annual surveys into the special library sector. In the spirit of sharing knowledge, we are asking for ten minutes of your time to complete the survey.

Need Support or Want to Binge Watch Online Recordings?

Design - Graphic design

Our Liberty and illumin users are located throughout the world. As a result, Softlink Information Centres has always believed in the importance of having an online presence. Now is an ideal time to remind you of all the ways we are there for you online. We hope it is reassuring, in these uncertain times.

Market Your Library with Liberty

Digital marketing - Fundamentos de marketing

Increase the library’s presence in your organization! Market it. It is a great way to promote your library’s resources and services. Your Liberty library management system can help. With Liberty, it is easy to design an attention-grabbing Home page. You can also send Interests emails to your borrowers. Ones that include cover images and look professional.

Libraries and Knowledge Centers are My “Thing”. So Who am I?

Library - Information

Who am I? I represent Softlink IC because, like me, libraries and knowledge centers are their thing. illumin and Liberty, two fantastic information and research management systems are the results of their passion. We at Softlink IC believe libraries are a vibrant and critical part of our communities, workplaces, and learning centers.

Does Your Law Firm Have the Competitive Research Edge?

Stock photography - Image

Information is power. It can be the difference between winning and losing. That’s why your law firm needs access to the right information and FAST! Leveraging the information sourced by your knowledge researchers, using the most up-to-date library management tools, will give your firm the competitive research edge.

So How’s Your Current Library Reporting Tool Working For You?

Business - Business plan

Statistics are important! For knowledge specialists, generating your resource center’s vital statistical data can be very time-consuming when you don’t have the right library reporting tool. An Excel spreadsheet has many uses, but recording statistics in a spreadsheet is not an efficient and cost-effective way to spend your valuable time.

Is Your Vendor Just a Vendor or Your Partner?

Business - Management

More than 35 years of interacting with all types of libraries throughout the globe has taught Softlink IC a thing or two about building long-lasting partnerships with our clients. We have learned well because we never wanted to be just a “vendor”. Softlink IC is a valued partner to our customers over the long term.

4 Steps to Promote Your Corporate Library

Stock photography - Photograph

So there you are – the proud manager of a beautiful new corporate library. You’ve done all the hard work. The steps you’ve taken to get to this point have been many. The last thing you want is all that hard work wasted. You want the library to be used to its full potential! For that, you need buy-in across the organization.

Top 6 Tips to Get Your Library Ready for the Holiday Season

Lighting - Photography

It’s getting close to that time of the year and some of us are well-organized. But, for those who aren’t quite there yet, there are a few tips we think would be helpful. After all, this holiday season only comes once a year, so those once a year tasks are not necessarily high on the “remember to do” list even if, for some of us, that holiday season arrives more quickly than we ever thought possible!

Design Thinking Toolkit for Libraries. What Is It? Download It!

Idea - Creativity

Remember the feeling you had when you stepped foot into your library for the first time? Nervous excitement aside, everywhere you looked, you saw opportunities to make a difference. The feeling that you could make all the changes you wanted – all well before your first anniversary in the job.

4 Steps to Develop an Effective Marketing Campaign for Your Library

Libraries are centers of knowledge that serve corporations, specialized research disciplines, organizations, and members of the public. However, the information age has affected the attitude of many towards libraries and their value. Many people believe all they need is the internet.

Why Should You Host Your Library System in the Cloud? Here are 12 Great Reasons

Cloud computing - Computing

Many library system vendors like Softlink Information Centres offer the option of hosting their customers’ systems in “the cloud”. It takes the stress out of managing the technical “stuff”. Libraries and knowledge centers benefit greatly from this option. We have whittled the advantages down to twelve, grouped into three categories. They explain why most of our Liberty and illumin customers are in the cloud.

Trust a Librarian in the Battle to Protect User Privacy

Image - Computer security

Did you know that reading choices can tell a lot about someone? They can reveal religion, sexual preference, and political beliefs. It is precisely this type of information that has been used to target people in the past. It still is today, and no doubt will be in the future. That doesn’t mean librarians will stop fighting the battle to protect user privacy from the invasion of surveillance.

Back to Basics Liberty Training in Boston

Boston University - Back Bay

Early May saw Softlink Information Centres Customer Services Manager, Maida Rubin, deliver another of her highly regarded free, face-to-face Liberty training sessions.

5 Ways Customer-Facing Staff Can Manage Stress

Cartoon - Illustration

Anyone in a front line position will come up against moments of stress. Stress is commonly a result of work overload but, often it is a by-product of always wanting to do the best they can for their customers. That is as true for our Liberty and illumin customers as it is for Softlink IC’s Customer Support representatives.

So, we canvassed our Support Team Members and some of our customers, and came up with a few ways they manage to reduce their stress levels and remain productive.

5 Brilliant Benefits of Liberty v5 to Whet Your Appetite

Illustration - Vector graphics

We don’t have enough space here to write a novella about all the benefits you will get with Softlink Information Centres’ Liberty v5 (and we’re pretty sure you don’t have the time to read one right now), so these 5 brilliant benefits may whet your appetite for more.

5 Brilliant Benefits of Liberty v5 to Whet Your Appetite

We don’t have enough space here to write a novella about all the benefits you will get with Softlink Information Centres’ Liberty v5 (and we’re pretty sure you don’t have the time to read one right now), so these 5 brilliant benefits may whet your appetite for more.

Softlink IC’s First Liberty Virtual User Group Meetings for 2019

Social media - Stock photography

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

Draft evasion - Military service

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!

2018. Softlink IC’s Year in Brief

Storytelling - Writing

Can you believe it is February already! We have been busy finalising plans for this year’s calendar. But before we let you know what is happening in 2019, we thought we would review what has been a busy 2018.

Cricket NSW Goes Live with Liberty

Library - Sydney Olympic Park

Cricket New South Wales (NSW) went live with the Liberty library management system on the 19th of December 2018. The day also saw Sarah Thompson, Softlink IC’s Technical Services Manager travel to Sydney to train 3 of the 5 Cricket NSW library volunteers.

Louis Lum from the Catholic Diocese of Auckland Library is Retiring

Library science - Public library

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.

Liberty Integrates with ClickView

Online advertising - Computer Monitor

Did you know that Liberty, Softlink’s library management system, integrates with ClickView? Well, it does and has for many years. If you have a subscription to ClickView it is as simple as activating the applicable ClickView search source in Liberty. For those Liberty users who have a subscription to ClickView but have not activated the applicable source, read on!

Liberty Library Management System Integrates with Nielsen Bookdata

Logo - Nielsen Holdings

Did you know that Softlink Information Centre’s Liberty LMS, integrates with Nielsen Bookdata(NBD). The feature enables you to make use of NBDs comprehensive bibliographic data and cover images. If you have a subscription to NBD, have you set it up in Liberty yet?

Top 5 Tips to Get Your Library Ready for the Holiday Season

Brand - Product

So you think you’ve ticked off all the Christmas season preparations? OK we believe you. But, just in case there’s one or two things that may have slipped your mind – after all it only comes once a year (or seemingly more often for those of us less close to our actual day of birth), we thought we’d provide you with a little checklist.

Appraisal Institute Solves Business Challenges With Liberty and illumin

Beard - M. Moustache

The Appraisal Institute, based in Chicago, is a global association of professional real estate appraisers, with 19,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. The Institute funds and operates the Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Library, which provides members with reference services in all areas of real estate appraisal.

Library Software – Making Libraries Accessible to Everyone

Communication - Education

Just as we have the right to freedom of action and expression, we should have the right to gain knowledge. This means making knowledge accessible to everyone. Our levels of physical or learning ability, should not bar us from accessing knowledge.

Liberty Training and User Group Meeting in Beautiful Edinburgh

Communication - Public Relations

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

Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre - Seminar

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.

Why Librarians and Harry Potter Have a Lot In Common

The Elven King - An Elven Storm 3

Just like Harry Potter, librarians can’t keep their secret any longer. For all they walk among us in normal clothes and keep a low profile between the stacked shelves of your local library, they can’t hide the truth any longer.

7 Ways Law Libraries Save Law Firms Money

Fechter & Company - Accounting

Law libraries accommodate all manner of resources, both digital and physical, to help lawyers in their research. More and more, law firms are relying on the internet, online databases, and web-based services for research, but there is still a need for physical publications.

Tips to Succeed as a Solo Librarian – Part 2

Image - Photograph

Some further tips for you as a solo librarian! You will be fulfilling many functions — tasks that in a much larger library would be undertaken by different departments. There is quite a bit on your plate; on top of that, you are dealing face to face with members of the public and fielding requests, overseeing circulation of resources, and developing library reference collections.

How live chat can benefit librarians!

Providing real-time support is an important part of customer service for all companies. The emergence of the live chat feature by library software vendors is making customer support even more effective. It provides their customers with the advantage of access to real-time support without having to wait on the phone, or wait for an email reply to a query.

How Software Can Help Support the Changing Role of Academic Librarians

Like many industries, new technologies have resulted in the implementation of significant change. The academic library is no exception. The academic library is no exception. Academic librarians are re-thinking their management of collection, curation, and acquisitions. As a result, changes to the librarian’s role are dramatic.

Tips to succeed as a Solo Librarian

Being a solo librarian can be difficult. Even experienced librarians find it very challenging to run and manage libraries all by themselves. Those who take on the role require not only the willingness but an understanding of the diverse skills that they will need to acquire to successfully manage the role. After all, many career opportunities nowadays require solo librarians.

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.

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.

Employee Spotlight – James Martin

James Martin, Softlink’s Development Manager for Liberty and illumin, is based in the Brisbane head office. We get to know more about James (the Wise) in the fourth of our Softlink Employee Spotlights.

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.

Liberty Highlights Video

Liberty is a high performance Library Management System that will grow and change with the needs of your organisation. Liberty enables vital information to be discovered and delivered anywhere, anytime through modern digital devices. Watch video below for highlights.

Lamm Jewish Library of Australia

“Our borrowers like that Liberty is simple to use. It is easy to access the catalog directly from the Lamm Jewish Library website and see what is available.”

Leonie Fleiszig, Director

Employee Spotlight – Dan Webb

Based in Softlink’s UK office, Dan is a part of our Northern Hemisphere support team. We get to know more about Dan in the third of our Softlink Employee Spotlights.

Liberty Legal Library Customers Celebrate National Library Week

Library - Library branch

First established in America in 1958, and sponsored by ALA, National Library Week celebrates the contributions of all libraries be they corporate, school, public or academic and the wonderful staff who serve the needs of their library’s users. In this, its 60th year, National Library Week runs between April 8 – 14. This year’s theme is “Libraries Lead”.

Mobile Apps in the Law Library

Library - Software

Released as Library Link in 2013, Softlink’s enhanced mobile app for libraries has been renamed Liberty Link, and we are excited to be bringing it you for ALLA 2018!

Will 2018 be the Year for Affordable Library Digitisation?

Backup - Plug-in

Library digitisation is common place. New content comes in to the library in digital formats. Older materials get a second life through digitisation. And for many libraries under pressure to reduce floor space, it is a way of maintaining services.

Guest post: Getting creative with library outreach at Alzheimer’s Australia

Library - Communication

In our latest guest post, Liberty user Stroma Mauritzen talks about how the Alzheimer’s Australia library service has created a vibrant and successful library outreach program through pop up libraries, blogging, a “recommended reading” sticker, and the exciting opportunities they are investigating for the future.

The Role of Data Management Discussed at NZ Science and Research Conference

Public Relations - Poster

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).

Do Innovative Libraries Need to be Radical for Success?

Stock photography - Illustration

Without delving into the challenges faced by 21st century libraries too much, I’m sure we can all pinpoint a time when we read something about innovative libraries and thought to ourselves, “Wow, how on earth did they manage to pull that together? I rarely get time to finish my coffee before it goes cold!”

Plan Before You Scan: Considerations for launching a digital archive project

The American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR)’s new photo archive project aims to bring a collection of 30,000 photos documenting the archaeological and cultural heritage of the Middle East to the public eye. But where do you even begin to digitize 30,000 slides, negatives, and prints?

ACOR is one of the many diverse libraries who use Softlink’s Liberty library management system. In 2016 they were awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Education through the competitive American Overseas Research Centers grant program which will support the ACOR Library Photographic Archive. As a guest blogger for Softlink, Corrie Commisso, Senior Archival Consultant for ACOR, shares her experiences with launching the digital archive project.