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.

Held over the week of the 21st to 25th of September, the conference included 100 speakers from companies and libraries from around North America discussing technology and everything library.

Our North America Sales and Account Manager, Matt Coy was looking forward to mixing and mingling with librarians and knowledge managers. Due to the pandemic, the conference changed from the traditional face-to-face event to a virtual one. But as he found out, that didn’t stop him and all the attendees from meeting up, getting to know each other a bit better, and doing what information professionals do and that’s seeking information.

Matt was delighted with the number of conference attendees who connected with him at our virtual booth. Over the 4 days the exhibit hall was open, he welcomed 150 different attendees to our booth. The interest in our products was heart-warming. After all, we have developed them, nurtured them, and continue to enhance them. Like a parent, we look at them and marvel at what we continue to produce!

The Importance of Up-to-date Technologies

The conversations Matt had with visitors to our booth seemed to have a common thread. He noted that many felt, if the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced anything, it is the need for up-to-date technologies. For library professionals, fully web-based library and research systems are essential. It’s not like they haven’t known that for a long time, but convincing some in their organizations was a challenge. That seems to be changing!

Fully web-based, easy to access and use library management systems and research tools are the keys to increasing user interaction. The right library product will ensure staff can deliver better services quickly and efficiently. For their users, access to curated library resources anywhere, anytime, on any device, 24/7 is expected!

Matt has been busy in the aftermath of what was, for Softlink IC, a very successful conference. With several demonstrations to deliver, pricing updates and additional information on Liberty and illumin to be sent, he will barely have time to come up for air in the next few weeks!

While the opportunity to meet face to face at the conference was not possible, the opportunity to do so online was much appreciated. We would like to thank the CIL and IL Connect 2020 organizers for providing a well-run and valuable experience. We hope to be there again next time. Until then, stay safe and well.

If you didn’t manage to attend the CIL and IL Connect 2020 virtual conference, and would like to speak to one of our team, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you have or organize a demonstration.