Then: Static Systems and Manual Labor
Historically, research libraries relied on monolithic systems that were inflexible, resource-heavy, and slow to update. Cataloging involved time-consuming data entry, access was limited to on-site terminals, and reporting and analytics were rudimentary at best.
For library and knowledge professionals managing large volumes of research material and on-demand information, outdated systems created bottlenecks and stifled innovation. They couldn’t scale or keep pace with increasingly complex research needs.
Now: Agile, Integrated, and Research-Aligned
Today’s research libraries require platforms that are flexible, mobile, and aligned with institutional research priorities. Whether you’re supporting scientists, policy analysts, technical writers, or R&D departments, your library system must enable fast, reliable knowledge delivery.
Liberty Digital and illumin are designed for exactly that, helping research libraries modernize workflows increase accessibility, and improve service response times, all while maintaining rigorous control over data and discovery tools.
Liberty Digital: Flexible Access, Smart Discovery
Liberty Digital offers a modern Catalog that’s mobile-responsive, intuitive, and optimized for both researchers and staff. With advanced search capabilities, integrated metadata tools, and customizable interfaces, Liberty Digital equips research libraries with a powerful, user-friendly catalog system that makes it easier for teams to discover, manage, and share resources efficiently – helping you deliver greater value to your organization every day.
Key features include:
- Device-agnostic design for secure access on any device, anywhere
- Advanced search and filtering to support fast, accurate discovery
- Customizable user interface to reflect organizational branding and user needs
- Interest profiles and automatic notifications to keep users informed of new or relevant materials
- Integration with SharePoint and Single-Sign-On (SSO) to simplify authentication and resource management
Liberty Digital centralizes your digital and physical collections, creating a consistent, searchable hub that supports ongoing research, technical inquiry, and institutional learning.
illumin: Managing Research Requests and Internal Knowledge Workflows
Today’s research librarians are expected to do more than manage collections. They’re project collaborators, data curators, and internal service providers. That’s where illumin comes in. It’s a powerful knowledge and request management system that enables library teams to track, respond to, and report on information requests with clarity and efficiency, ideal for:
- Research support teams handling literature searches, sourcing, or competitive intelligence
- Knowledge officers coordinating information delivery across departments or business units
- Library managers looking to monitor usage trends and improve response workflows
With built-in reporting, workflow automation, and request lifecycle tracking, illumin helps research libraries stay agile and accountable. Whether they’re serving internal stakeholders, supporting external collaborations, or managing regulatory information needs.
Training, Support, and Ongoing Innovation
Softlink IC understands that technology alone doesn’t drive change. People do. That’s why we offer custom onboarding, self-paced training videos, and live bootcamps to ensure staff across library roles feel confident using Liberty Digital and illumin.
And because our solutions are built with input from libraries like yours, we’re always evolving. Whether it’s expanding integration options or simplifying knowledge workflows, we’re committed to helping research libraries stay ahead of the curve.
From manual cataloguing to mobile-first, data-rich systems, the research library has come a long way. With Liberty Digital and illumin, agile, digital-first research management isn’t only a technical upgrade, it’s a potential strategic advantage.
Ready to see what modern library and request management looks like? Contact us now.