Implementation Methodology

Over 30 years of activity in the field, following interaction with over 300 organizations that have become our clients (served by personnel numbering in the thousands of employees), we have synthesized a methodology that guarantees successful implementation, whether it's a specialized library with a single librarian and 20,000 volumes, or a Central University Library with 20 branches, over 200 employees, and over 2,000,000 volumes.

Consulting

From the very first discussion with the client, we are attentive to their expressed expectations and strive to correctly identify the organization's needs.

Choosing the system, establishing the optimal configuration, planning and organizing various specific activities, and the judicious management of the budget are all decisive elements for the success of the automation project, both when migrating from an outdated library system to a high-performance Softlink system, and when automating "from scratch".

To ensure that every project we run concludes successfully, we utilize our extensive local and international experience to help our clients achieve maximum benefits with minimal costs and effort.

Initial Situation Analysis

Before starting the actual technical operations, we carefully study the existing hardware infrastructure, workflows, and the level of staff training. Based on the information gathered, we make necessary recommendations and jointly establish the "roadmap" with the client for achieving the set objectives.

Data Conversion

The first technical operation we perform is the conversion of existing data and its transfer into the new system. For this, we grant the client access to a test system for verifying and validating the data, or for making necessary observations.

Our specialists have rich experience in retrieving and converting data from a multitude of systems and formats, therefore the success of this operation is guaranteed.

Installation, Configuration, Customization

The installation of the systems we provide (library automation systems, RFID systems, scanning and digitization systems) can only be performed by certified Softlink consultants. Depending on the complexity of the configuration and the degree of customization, between one and three working days will be allocated for system installation and configuration.

Before performing the actual installation, the system engineer or network administrator of the library must complete and send us the Pre-installation Questionnaire.

User Training

To fully benefit from the facilities of the automation systems, thorough training of the user personnel is necessary.

User staff training is conducted by certified Softlink consultants who, thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the systems, coupled with long pedagogical experience, achieve spectacular results in staff development—even in the case of users who lack computer experience.

Furthermore, unlike other library systems on the market, the Liberty and Oliver systems feature an extremely intuitive interface, so staff can become proficient in a good portion of the features after just a few hours of instruction.

The training courses for using and administering Softlink library systems are structured into two levels:

• Essential Facilities (Basic Training) – basic system functions are taught; instruction is usually held immediately after installation at the client's premises (2 days).

• Advanced Use (Advanced Training) – organized periodically as an open course with the participation of librarians from various libraries (2-3 days).

Technical Support

Technical support for one year from the system installation date is an integral part of the implementation project. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Periodic system check-up.

• Diagnosis of technical issues encountered during system use.

• Troubleshooting technical issues via "remote" or on-site intervention.

• Upgrade to the latest version of the system.

• Consultancy and best-practice recommendations for user staff.

• Assistance with modifying system parameters.

After the first year of use, in order to successfully operate the system and prevent technical issues that may arise during use, concluding a technical assistance contract is recommended.

Success Evaluation

For each project, we conduct a careful evaluation with the client of the degree to which the established objectives have been met and develop a joint action plan to ensure the system operates at the expected level.