Then: Static Systems and Manual Labor
In the past, many academic 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-campus terminals, and reporting functions were often rudimentary.
For librarians managing large volumes of research material and supporting faculty across disciplines, these outdated systems created bottlenecks and left little room for innovation.
Now: Modular, Mobile, and Research-Focused
Today, platforms like Liberty Digital and illumin are reshaping what academic library management looks like. Built to meet the evolving needs of higher education, these tools enable libraries to become more accessible, data-informed, and service-oriented.
Liberty Digital: Flexible Access, Smart Discovery
Liberty Digital offers a modern catalog that’s mobile-responsive, intuitive, and optimized for both students and faculty. With advanced search capabilities, integrated metadata tools, and customizable interfaces, Liberty empowers academic libraries to support discovery either on campus or remote.
Recent enhancements include:
- Device agnostic design for hybrid learning environments
- Automatic, scheduled interest notifications, keeping users updated on new research or holdings
- SharePoint Integration to centralize digital resource storage, organization and sharing, and Single-Sign-On to simplify authentication.
illumin: Streamlining Faculty and Research Support
Academic librarians are increasingly supporting scholarly communication, research tracking, and departmental knowledge needs. That’s where illumin shines. Designed to
manage research requests, internal knowledge delivery, and project workflows, illumin enables research librarians to track, organize, and respond efficiently.
It’s particularly valuable for:
- Faculty support teams processing article requests, data sourcing, or citation
- Graduate student services managing thesis materials or custom research
- Library admin teams tracking interdepartmental queries or information requests
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 adapting. Whether it’s expanding integration options or simplifying workflow automation, we’re committed to helping academic libraries stay ahead of the curve.
From manual cataloguing to mobile-first, data-rich systems, the academic library has come a long way. With Liberty Digital and illumin, your library isn’t just keeping up, it’s leading the future of campus knowledge services.
Ready to see what modern library management looks like? Contact us now.