Softlink’s online
library and
learning resource
management
solution,
designed
specifically
for secondary
schools,
academies
and sixth form
colleges
www.softlinkint.com
Placing the library
at the centre of learning
Softlink has worked with schools for more than 30 years, delivering library, knowledge and content management systems, which enhance how library and learning resources are discovered, delivered and managed.
Oliver provides schools with an engaging and intuitive solution, delivering anytime, anywhere access to the school library and learning resources. With single sign on and integration to school VLE’s and systems, it places the library at the centre of learning. Offering functionalities which encourage students and teachers to use the library for learning, improving access to reading resources and enabling independent learning, Oliver supports schools in raising literacy levels which lead to increased results and achievements for every student.
Key benefits of Oliver
• Gain cost savings and achieve a return on investment
• Increases students engagement in reading & literacy levels
• Streamlines library workflows saving the librarian time
• Provides insight into reading trends and progress
• Increases accessibility to the library and learning resources
• Develops independent learning skills
• Elevates the visibility and use of the school library and learning resources
Key features of Oliver
• Search multiple sources with one click
• Book Carousel & cover images
• VLE & MIS integration
• Library Link Mobile App
• eBook integration
• Detailed statistical reporting
• Cataloguing
• Self-service
• EDI
• Book reviews
“The thing I like best
about Oliver is that
it can be used on
so many different
levels. A beginner
can just use the
basic parts of the
system, but as you
get more confident
you can add further
functions, until
you are able to
customise the
system for your own
use and your library
and school”
Ginette Doyle, Librarian, Cheltenham College
The Head Teacher
• Gain cost savings through better management and tracking of all resources.
• Identify with the click of a button reading trends, progress and interests highlighting areas for future investment
• Extend access to the library and learning resources beyond the library walls and school hours
• Utilise the latest engaging technology to encourage reading, improving student achievements; contributing to improved educational results which attains and attracts new students
The Librarian
• Streamline acquisitions, circulations and cataloguing
workflows, saving time with tasks completed with the click of a button
• Automatically track and manage overdues and loans, with automatic reminders sent via SMS, email or letter
• Raise the profile of the library through engaging features including carousels, reading lists, cover images and VLE integration, making the library more appealing
• Increase access to the library and learning resources for teachers and learners
• Free up more time to spend guiding, advising and teaching students in using the library resources
The Students
• Encourage independent learning through federated search functionalities, self-circulation and book reviews, supporting the development of skills for future education and work
• Federated search enables students to search all catalogue sources including weblinks and eBooks providing accurate and complete search results to support learning • Encourage the use of library
resources with an easy to use navigation, mapping functionality, book carousels, book cover images and digital media libraries
Benefitting the entire
school community
The Teaching staff
• Make learning resources available to support lesson planning
• Embed the library into the teaching environment with reading lists and VLE integration
• Search, find and share teaching and learning resources across departments
The Community
• Involve parents in their child’s reading progress and use of the library
• Anytime, anywhere, any device access to the school library and facilities
• Library Link mobile App provides access to the library and learning resources instantly
The ICT lead
• Implement the latest technology with flexible, low cost deployment options and no additional investment required in hardware or software.
• Gain from worry free direct technical support from Softlink, reducing the reliance on schools IT team allowing for more time to focus on school IT strategy • As a hosted solution, all solution
maintenance and upgrades are taken care of by Softlink’s support with 99% availability
Benefitting the entire
school community
Media rich, dynamic
& engaging solution
System integrations
Oliver integrates with the leading MIS, VLE, cashless catering, security and other school systems.
Working in partnership with market leading organisations, Softlink supports schools in placing the library at the centre of learning
Anytime,
Anywhere Access
As an online solution, Oliver is available beyond the library walls and school hours from any device with an internet connection.
Softlink’s mobile app Library Link, designed for phones, is available for download. The complete Oliver system works on any laptop or tablet device. Compatible with any Apple or Android device, it delivers access to your school library. Instantly view, reserve or renew loans, book resources and search the catalogue from your mobile device.
The full Oliver system is also available outside schools on any PC, laptop or tablet device.
Dynamic and integrated searching
Softlink’s bespoke federated search allows users to search multiple data sources at once, delivering complete and accurate search results.
From books, journals, magazines, e-books, multimedia resources and web links, our federated search delivers a clear picture of all resources available in one search. The interactive search interface is designed with students in mind, making it easy for to use.
MIS
Cashless
Catering
VLE
Security
Orbit
Orbit is Softlink’s new and exciting junior search interface for Oliver V5. Designed to make reading and searching more easy and engaging for junior library users. Orbit encourages students to love using their library through picture search, personalised themes and avatars, book cover carousels, videos and much more.
Information at the click of a
button
Oliver has 100’s of inbuilt reports, making detailed statistical information instantly available for school reports and inspections. Export information in many formats to display and report to school and library staff, supporting future decision making.
Identify reading trends and progress, helping to focus on improvements
Book carousels, reviews and reading lists
Oliver has many engaging features which encourage students to use the library.
Book carousels highlight new titles or those for particular year group. Book reviews encourage collaboration. Reading lists can be tailored by teachers to encourage reading of particular titles or for students to track books they want to read. Cover images makes searching and viewing of resources more appealing.
Streamlining library workflows
Oliver streamlines circulation, cataloguing and serial library workflows, automating tasks therefore helping making the role of the librarian more efficient.
Send automatic alerts regarding renewals and outstanding loans, catalogue resources instantly and make customisations seamlessly.
Providing you with the assurance your library
management solution is in safe hands
At Softlink we ensure our customers library management system is operating to its optimum level, reducing any disruption to day to day activities with our after sales care. From technical support and access to expert knowledge, training and best practice guidance; we deliver a holistic after sales care service helping schools maximise the use of their Oliver system, delivering a sustainable solution for today and the future. Benefits of Softlink’s after sales care
• Customer loyalty discounts
• Free up your internal IT teams to focus on strategic projects • Expert advice when you need it
• Have assurance any technical issues with your library management solution will be resolved quickly
• Maximise the use of your system with latest features and compatibility with operating systems
• Deliver an efficient and reliable service to your library users • Access to updates, new features and bug fixtures within your version
Softlink Professional Services
At Softlink our team of technical and qualified library specialists, offer a range of services to ensure our customers are continually achieving their requirements and a return on investment from Oliver.
“Working with
Softlink is excellent,
queries are dealt
with swiftly and
to my satisfaction.
The management
of our account
is also excellent,
account managers
are professional,
pleasant and always
eager to assist and
develop customer
interests”
Rosalind Buckland, Librarian, Ripley St Thomas C of E Academy
Service Description
Consultation From initial consultation to help you understand the benefits, to a full consultation on maximising the use of Oliver, we help to streamline library workflows; supporting schools in making the library the centre of learning. We work with a range of leading ICT providers to deliver Oliver to schools. For those schools who do not have an internal project manager, we look after the entire process to ensure it is seamless.
Data
Conversion Converting data from other library systems is seamless with Softlink’s service. We are experienced in converting data from
other library management systems. Our skilled technical staff can deliver standard conversions, or for schools looking a little extra we can deliver trial conversions. To update school library bibliographic records that may have become inaccurate and inconsistent over time, we deliver database cleansing solutions in line with BDS.
Training Our training services are delivered by Softlink qualified librarians and skilled industry experts; delivering high quality training from those who know the system best. Tailored to each individual schools requirements, we design and deliver bespoke training programmes. If you are a user with no experience working in a library, new to the role of a school librarian, an advanced user or require a system refresh, our programmes are tailored to suit you.
Installation &
Integration We provide both remote and on-site installation services for new systems or product upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to your school library service.
www.softlinkint.com
A library management system enabling schools to catalogue resources, benefit from self-circulation and effective search capabilities
Oliver Standard
Oliver Plus
Oliver Advanced
Oliver Enterprise
With enhanced functionality in cataloguing, circulation, alerts and translations helping to streamline library workflows
An integrated and functionality rich library management solution, enabling complete management and tracking of all school & library resources
An Oliver system package which is designed for multiple schools working together, whether as a consortium or academy trust
Oliver packages
About Softlink
Contact us
Softlink has been working with schools and colleges for more than 30 years. We have delivered content, knowledge and library management systems to over 10,000 customers worldwide. Working in partnership with our school customers, we provide a solution to meet their specific requirements. We aim to support schools in promoting reading for enjoyment and increasing achievements for every student.
