Libraries are facing stronger competition for engagement than ever before.
User expectations around convenience and modern consumer digital experiences are putting increased pressure on libraries around the world.
Staff are challenged to do more with less – to fulfil services and improve the collection, whilst increasing engagement with the community they serve. Libraries are finding it difficult to drive service adoption, borrowing and footfall – the essential metrics that secure funding and enable libraries to continue the work they do.
Spydus Library Management is a complete end-to-end library system that supports individual libraries, groups and consortia. Built on 40+ years of close collaboration with library professionals, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the evolving challenges libraries face. We know that every community is unique; that every user requires a different experience from their local library.
Why choose Spydus Library Management?
Reduce admin time and costs by streamlining core tasks and automating repetitive processes
Give citizens more ways to engage by providing the touch points they want
Library Management is built on best-in-class, cloud-native architecture
Compliance-friendly, with accessibility support (WCAG 2.1) and GDPR-ready data privacy
Improve collections and services, making it easier to manage physical, digital and archival content.
Make it easy to track usage, performance and engagement with built-in reporting
Spydus for library staff
Staff applications manage everything, from acquisitions and cataloguing to circulation, member services and specialist activities.
Your team can work more efficiently with a customisable home dashboard, advanced search via enquiry, and real-time linking between records and processes.
Cataloguing tools are RDA-compliant and handle all resources, including digital assets, with authority control and eVendor integration.
Spydus for library patrons
We provide the touch points your users expect, whether that’s in-person, browser or mobile-based.
With our custom mobile app, intuitive self-service options and event booking tools, Spydus Library Management makes it easier for people to connect with your library and find what they want, whenever they want, from wherever they are.
Test
The key features of our library management system
- Discovery layer
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The Discovery layer is the public gateway to all library resources. It includes OPAC with BIBFRAME, content databases and a full discovery interface.
Library Management makes it easy for patrons to search for anything a library may offer, such as:
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Books and eBooks
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Audiobooks and multimedia
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Physical collections
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Archives
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Community groups and events
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Library initiatives.
Patrons can register, renew, manage reservations, pay charges, view their history and receive personalised recommendations without staff intervention. The interface is mobile-first and fully customisable to match the library’s branding, giving users a seamless, familiar experience wherever they connect.
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- Staff applications
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The staff applications are tried-and-tested tools, designed to make library staff more efficient, allowing them to prioritise higher-value work.
The tools cover everything that staff need, including:
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Frontline service and enquiries
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Community outreach and engagement
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Collections, heritage and digital
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Reporting and administration
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Acquisition and serials management.
Discover the full list of applications in our brochure.
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- Events
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Make it easy for library staff to manage, promote and deliver events.
The Events module covers one-off, recurring and online events with integrated ticketing, payment handling, waitlists, attendance tracking and automated communications.
- Reporting
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Gain complete visibility, demonstrate service impact and secure funding.
Unified data brings together all library metrics, from borrowing activity, loans, acquisitions, charges, bookings and collection performance into interactive dashboards, charts and storyboards. Reports are designed for non-technical users and can be scheduled for automatic delivery in PDF, Excel or Word.
Perfect for demonstrating service impact to funders and stakeholders.
Established consortium model
Our approach to consortia is that libraries should have the option to maintain their unique identities yet be part of a wider shared service.
A key feature of Spydus Library Management is its ability to connect libraries. It enables them to share all resources across the consortium through members, loans, reservations and transfer of items, or simply a bibliographic database.
This capability enhances the library experience for both users and staff. For users, it enables access to increased collections, and for staff, greater opportunities to develop and expand their roles and experience.
A complete cloud optimised solution for library management
Spydus automates a complete range of library functions and is fully customisable to meet the needs of libraries of all types and sizes. Our customers include large consortia, public and government libraries, schools and higher education institutions.
We’re proud to support CILIP, the UK’s library and information association. They work to improve services, develop members’ expertise and champion the sector.
FAQs
- What is Spydus Library Management?
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Spydus Library Management is a complete end-to-end library management system that supports individual libraries, groups and consortia. It brings all core library functions into a single, easy-to-use platform that streamlines operations, improves services and enhances community engagement.
- How does Spydus Library Management benefit library staff?
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Library staff get access to applications, covering everything from acquisitions and cataloguing to circulation, events and reporting. It helps reduce admin time, simplify tasks and free staff to focus on delivering higher-value services to patrons.
- What can library patrons do with Spydus Library Management?
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Patrons can engage with their library anytime, anywhere. They can search the full catalogue through the Discovery layer, access eBooks, audiobooks and archives, manage their accounts, register or renew memberships, book events and even receive personalised recommendations. Services are available in-branch, online and through a dedicated mobile app.
- Is Spydus Library Management cloud-based?
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Yes. The system is fully cloud-native, reducing the need for on-site infrastructure or intense IT support. This ensures greater reliability, stronger security and regular updates, helping libraries stay modern and agile, while ensuring compliance at all times.
- How does the system support reporting and compliance?
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Spydus Library Management uses built-in dashboards and advanced reporting tools, covering borrowing, usage, acquisitions, charges and more. These reports can be scheduled for automatic delivery and are designed to help libraries secure funding, demonstrate impact and maintain compliance with GDPR and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1).
- Can the system support multiple libraries or consortia?
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Yes. Spydus Library Management was designed with consortia in mind. It enables libraries to share resources across a network while still retaining their unique identity. Patrons benefit from wider access to collections, and staff gain opportunities to collaborate and expand their expertise.
- Is it easy for staff to use?
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The platform is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, even for staff with limited IT skills. With personalised dashboards, clear search tools and automation of repetitive tasks, onboarding is fast and training requirements are minimal.
- Does Spydus Library Management integrate with third-party tools?
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Yes. The system connects with leading eContent providers such as BorrowBox and OverDrive, plus payment gateways, ERM systems and LCF APIs. This reduces duplication of work and ensures a seamless digital experience for patrons.
- How is Spydus Library Management different from other library systems?
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With over 40 years of experience and collaboration with library professionals, Civica has a proven track record in supporting libraries worldwide. The system combines powerful functionality, cloud-native resilience and a strong focus on user experience, helping libraries cut costs, improve efficiency and increase community engagement.
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