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10 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Public Library’s Digital Future

Public libraries are evolving rapidly, and expectations from both local councils and communities continue to grow.. Councils want clear evidence that their libraries deliver meaningful outcomes for ratepayers, while patrons expect modern digital experiences that are easy to access and use.

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.

Avoid the ‘What Happened to the System?’ Moment: Your OPAC + Administration Portal Launch Plan

Rolling out a new system (OPAC – Online Public Access Catalogue; and Administration Portal) is more than just switching on a new interface and managing it via the staff portal. For many users, the system is the entire library and its operations – it’s the complete solution, the everyday resource management platform, and the system they rely on to run public library operations. So, there needs to be a smooth transition between old and new public library management software – not a disruption.

Avoid the ‘What Happened to the Catalogue?’ Moment: Your OPAC Launch Plan

Rolling out a new OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) is more than just switching on a new interface. For many users, the OPAC is the library – it’s the first impression, the everyday touchpoint, and the tool they rely on to access resources. So, when that experience changes, it needs to feel like an upgrade – clearer, smarter, faster – not a disruption.

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.

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.

Expanding Horizons: Softlink Acquires Aurora Information Technology

Softlink IC and AIT logos

Softlink Information Centers, a Volaris Group company, has acquired Aurora Information Technology (AIT), a leading developer of software solutions for public and special libraries. Founded in the late 1990s by Doug Coulson and Martin Fisk, AIT has built a solid reputation delivering reliable and user-friendly software.

Lights, Camera, Library! Crafting an Engaging Promo Video

Ever thought about giving your library the Hollywood treatment? A short, snappy video could be just the thing to spark curiosity and draw in new faces. In just 1-2 minutes, you could showcase what makes your library special. Ready to roll? Here’s a short guide to putting your library in the spotlight.

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.

New Year, New Goals – 5 new year’s resolutions for your library to start 2024 with a bang!

As the new year unfolds, it’s a great time for libraries to set resolutions for the new year and maximize opportunities for innovation and growth. The always changing landscape of information management calls for strategic goal setting.

This blog is a short recap of our recent webinar which delivered five possible resolutions for the new year. And as a bonus, we not only provide 5 ways to start 2024 with a bang, but we’ll also share some essential insider tips to ensure their effective implementation, keeping you on course to achieve your goals.

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!

5 Essential Productivity Hacks for Your Library

Navigating the intricacies of an Integrated Library System (ILS) is second nature to you, mastering tasks like cataloging, circulation, and managing patron records. But what if there’s a way to elevate your library’s efficiency to the next level? Let’s explore five productivity hacks that could redefine the way you manage your library’s operations.

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.

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.

Tips for Attending a Conference

Management - Managing Director

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.

Market Your Library’s Services and Resources

Apple MacBook Pro - Glasses

Being a librarian is a stimulating job. No two days are the same, and no two users have the same needs. The ability to juggle many tasks is paramount. The demands on librarians are significant. They face constant interruption, and shifting between roles and responsibilities, all while keeping a smile on their face or trying to! And then there’s the need to keep abreast of new information technology to meet their users’ changing requirements and expectations, while facing budget cuts and less staff. Need we go on?

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.