WATFORD, U.K. (MAY 2013) – SirsiDynix, the world’s leading provider of library technology solutions, will be delivering positive changes to core library systems applications, which will transform the library experience for the Northern Ireland public, as well as introduce greater efficiency in backend staff operations.  In addition to the core Library Management System, SirsiDynix Symphony, NI libraries will benefit from a suite of new functionality including:

• SirsiDynix Enterprise Discovery platform for a “one-stop-shop” seamless search experience of the library catalogue, e-resources, digital collections, and Oxford University Press databases;
• BookMyne+ for the same experience through mobile devices;
• Social Library, a native Facebook application, enabling end users to search the catalogue, reserve materials and query their account without ever leaving Facebook; and
• SirsiDynix’s own SMS messaging module allowing users to set their own preferences.

Barbara Pacut, VP Sales EMEA at SirsiDynix said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this very important project to transform library services in Northern Ireland.  We look forward to working very closely with Fujitsu and Libraries NI to deliver state of the art services through new and constantly evolving technology.  It’s great to welcome such a significant authority to the UK public library customer base.”

Irene Knox, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, said: “This new contract will provide cutting edge library services to the people of Northern Ireland whether it is in a local public library, a mobile library or online.  We want to provide our customers with a rewarding experience every time they visit and the new enhanced services such as Wi-Fi access and improved IT speeds will help to deliver this to our users.  Fujitsu was able to demonstrate a great understanding for the task at hand and we are confident that they will help us to transform our library services for the benefit of our library users.”

Carál Ní Chuilín, Minister for the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, said: “I know the importance of the library service to so many people and I am delighted to be able to provide £25million over the next five years for this contract to help Libraries NI to greatly improve the public computer and internet facilities it provides. Libraries offer invaluable resources and services and we must ensure these are available, utilising new and emerging technology, to as many people as possible. This contract is also intended to contribute to the vital work being done by Libraries NI to deliver DCAL’s priorities of promoting equality and tackling poverty and social exclusion.”

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About SirsiDynix

SirsiDynix connects people with knowledge at more than 23,000 libraries around the world. Through library management technology and search and discovery tools, libraries using SirsiDynix technology bring relevant resources and the power of knowledge to their users and communities. SirsiDynix technology is architected to be open, scalable and robust, offering a complete solution out-of-the-box, and unparalleled flexibility through APIs and web services. Complemented by the most experienced training, consulting and support staff in the industry, SirsiDynix helps libraries create tomorrow’s libraries, today. www.sirsidynix.com

About Libraries NI

Libraries NI is the public library service for Northern Ireland. It came into being on 1 April 2009 as part of the Review of Public Administration. Its services are regionally planned and locally delivered and focus on: support for learning and learners; access to information; cultural and creative development; heritage and digitisation; and reading. Further information available from Irene Knox, Chief Executive, Libraries NI, Lisburn City Library Linenhall St Lisburn BT28 1FJ.

About Fujitsu UK and Northern Ireland

Fujitsu UK and Ireland is a leading IT systems, services and products company employing over 10,100 people with an annual revenue of £1.6 billion. Additionally, Fujitsu’s other operations in the UK bring its total employee numbers to over 14,000 and its total revenues to £1.8 billion. Its business is in enabling its customers to realise their objectives by exploiting information technology through its integrated product and service portfolio. This includes consulting, applications, systems integration, managed services and product for customers in the private and public sectors including retail, financial services, telecoms, government, defence, and consumer sectors. For more information, please see: http://uk.fujitsu.com