Axiell Spark and Arena will serve library staff and communities across all of Northern Ireland
Axiell, the leading vendor to public libraries in Europe, announces that its library management system, Spark, and online discovery tool, Arena, have been selected by Libraries NI to meet the evolving needs of users across Northern Ireland. The project sees Axiell partner with Fujitsu to deliver modern and innovative IT services to Libraries NI for the next seven years. Spark is developed and supported in the UK, making it especially positioned to meet the demands of the millions of transactions that Libraries NI processes each year, within UK library requirements. The partnership shows Axiell as a trusted supplier – and Spark as a trusted solution – for library organizations of all sizes, from single branch libraries, to multi-authority consortia and national library services.
“Technology continues to be a key factor in our drive to improve services, reduce costs and match levels of provision to the needs of customers. The library management system is vital to the day-to-day running of our libraries and our staff are excited to be working with Axiell.” Says Desi Curry, Head of ICU and ICT Libraries NI.
Libraries NI is the largest single library authority in the UK, with a network of 98 public libraries, along with mobile libraries, homecall vans and delivery vehicles across Northern Ireland. Spark and Arena will support Libraries NI in their mission to connect people with information, ideas and experiences to foster lifelong learning, inspire curiosity, provide enjoyment and strengthen communities.
Axiell Spark is a modern, browser-based library management system, used by 500 libraries across the UK. Spark can be used by library staff and volunteers securely, on any device, making it ideal for the modern library. Spark is a robust and scalable solution, capable of processing the 20 million library transactions that Libraries NI handles annually.
Axiell Arena provides Libraries NI with a stylish and intuitive discovery and content publishing tool. Arena will allow Libraries NI’s users to search the catalogue, reserve items, renew loans and loan e-books. Arena is simple for staff to manage, and gives libraries a way to promote all of their services, programs and events.
Axiell has 40 years of experience serving libraries and the cultural sector, being a trusted provider of software and services to the likes of Stockholm City Libraries, Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) and British Film Institute. Axiell works closely with customers to understand their evolving needs and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, in an increasingly digital world.
Rebecka Höjeberg, Sales Manager, Axiell, said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Fujitsu to bring a suite of modern solutions to libraries across all of Northern Ireland. The Axiell team delivering the project have between them over 60 years of experience supporting libraries, including several qualified librarians. The project is now underway, with go-live planned for 2023, and we’re looking forward to seeing Libraries NI up and running with Spark and Arena.” She adds, “We would like to welcome Libraries NI and all of their users to the Axiell user community!”
About Axiell
Axiell’s solutions help institutions share culture and knowledge with the world. Our software and services assist them to manage their collections, encourage reading, preserve cultural heritage, improve learning and increase engagement with the public. Our 11,300 customers are libraries, museums, archives, schools, publishers and retailers in more than 60 countries. We develop innovative digital tools to transform the way they work and connect with their audiences. We do this from 28 offices globally, with headquarters in Sweden. To find out more about us and our products, please visit https://www.axiell.com
For more information
Rebecka Höjeberg, Sales Manager, Axiell
+44 (0)115 900 8000
rebecka.hojeberg@axiell.co.uk
