In our recent Softlink IC webinar, Pitch Perfect: Building a Business Case for Your Next Library System, we shared how to create a compelling proposal that speaks leadership’s language, tackles objections, and secures funding.
This webinar was the next step to our earlier session, Time to Switch? How to Know (and Do) an ILS Upgrade Right. For a quick recap, check out the blog post here.
Now, let’s turn your insights into a simple framework that gets you a ‘yes.’
1. Lead With Organization-Wide Outcomes, Not Features
A winning case is about fit, focus, and future value – not a frustration list. Show how a modern ILS such as Liberty Digital helps your library deliver value across the organization by:
- Automating cataloguing, reporting, and current awareness.
- Managing hybrid collections (digital + physical) from one cloud system.
- Improving discoverability (mobile-friendly search, integrations such as SharePoint and eBook platforms).
Position a new ILS like Liberty Digital, as a strategic enabler, not “just an upgrade.”
2. Think Like a Decision-Maker: Use Metrics That Matter
Transform pain points into numbers leaders care about: ROI, risk reduction, and efficiency.
For example:
- “We lose 12 staff hours per month to manual workarounds” (efficiency / ROI).
- “Outdated security protocols are creating audit exposure” (risk).
- “Reporting delays are impacting planning and compliance” (risk / efficiency).
Show the cost of doing nothing vs. measurable gains with Liberty Digital.
3. Anchor Your Case to Organizational Goals
Tie your proposal to company-wide objectives such as digital-first strategies, data governance, compliance, productivity, and knowledge access. When your case advances enterprise priorities, approval gets easier.
“It’s not about library pain points,” a Softlink IC spokesperson explained. “It’s about enabling organizational success.”
4. Be Transparent on cost and Proactive on Risk
Lay out one-off and ongoing costs, then connect them to outcomes (time saved, reduced overhead, fewer workarounds). De-risk the decision by naming challenges and mitigations:
- Data migration: Vendor-led plan and test windows.
- Adoption: targeted training and change champions.
- Continuity: Phased rollout and go-live support.
5. Close With Long-Term Value and a Clear “Ask”
End with what success looks like in 6–12 months: faster access to information, stronger compliance, happier stakeholders, and scalable digital growth with an ILS like Liberty Digital. Make the ask explicit: approval to proceed, budget, and timeline.
Ready to Build Your Case?
- Watch the webinar: Pitch Perfect: Building a Business Case for Your Next Library System.
- Download: The Business Case Template and ‘Reframe the Message’ Document.
- Complete and review your business case.
- Book a Demo for Liberty Digital and see how your library could manage hybrid collections with ease, save time, and improve discoverability. And most importantly, turn your case into a confident ‘yes.’
Did You Know?
Softlink IC provides 24/5 follow the sun support, and a range of Professional Services including data conversion for easy system migration. Click on the star to learn more.