(2 March 2015) The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Library has partnered with Softlink to implement the Liberty Library Management System, a move that has allowed the reference library to offer online access to their extensive catalogue of sporting resources.
The MCC Library has replaced their Library Management System of twenty five years with Liberty in an overhaul of the library’s online services.
MCC Librarian, David Studham, highlighted the reasons behind the libraries decision to undertake an overhaul of the library’s technology.
“There were three key reasons that we needed to look for an alternative system. The first was that we needed to improve our user functionality, so we could better connect with our library patrons. The second was that we wanted to share resources with Libraries Australia and several other sports libraries, thirdly, we wanted a system that would allow us to move to a more standard cataloguing method.”
Softlink’s Australian-based cloud hosting solution, combined with Liberty’s interface, cataloguing features and login security features were determining factors in the MCC Library’s decision.
“I didn’t want our data stored in America and it needed to be affordable. That’s definitely what Liberty’s hosting is,” David said.
David says he is looking forward to seeing the library community interacting with Liberty’s Library 2.0 and Web 2.0 features.
“Whether it is books about cricket, football, golf or even Melbourne history, our patrons will be able to receive updates to let them know when new resources that fit their interest come into the library.”
David also believes that the move to the online world will offer major benefits to the global sporting community.
“A researcher from India who is planning on visiting during a Test Match will be able to browse the catalogue online and book the resources they are interested in, even before they arrive in Australia,” he said.
“There are going to be a lot of big changes. Being able to connect with our library patrons through Liberty will have major benefits, both for the library and the sporting community across the world.”
Softlink Managing Director, Nathan Godfrey said he is looking forward to a winning partnership with the MCC Library.
“The MCC Library has an international presence in the sporting world. Softlink is very pleased to be working with a sports reference library of this calibre.”
The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Library was founded in 1873 and serves as a comprehensive Reference Library for MCC members, their guests and the media on match days and to the general public and researchers by appointment on non-match days. The library houses over 200,000 resources relating to national and international cricket, Australian football and the Olympic Games as well as substantial holdings in a number of other sports.
The announcement is here.
