In today’s library environment, staff navigate a complex landscape of digital resources, member expectations, and administrative demands. Central to managing this landscape is the Library Management System (LMS), the essential technology that supports end-to-end library operations. Many libraries continue to operate legacy LMS platforms, delaying modernisation due to budget concerns, fear of disruption, or uncertainty about new technologies. Such delays could have negative consequences, from data security risks to deteriorating user and member experience. In this article we explore the risks and why the Libero 6 LMS could be the answer to your legacy system challenges.
Why Your Legacy LMS is Holding You Back
1. Declining Member Experience
Library members are increasingly tech-savvy and expect fast, intuitive, and reliable digital access- comparable to commercial websites and apps.
A legacy LMS will struggle to deliver smooth search capabilities, responsive interfaces, integrated digital content, or efficient self-service options. Members may encounter slow performance, broken links, or poor navigation. This can lead to frustration, disengagement, resulting in reduced interactions with your library.
A Libero 6 LMS prioritises ease of use and accessibility for both members and staff, featuring an easy-to-navigate interface, efficient search and discovery capabilities, streamlined circulation processes, and mobile-friendly options for self-service and remote access.
2. Library Inefficiency
A legacy LMS most often requires workarounds, manual data entry, or duplicate processes to handle newer types of media or functions they have not been designed to manage. Staff may waste time resolving technical issues and updating records – time that could be invested with their communities.
A Libero 6 LMS provides dashboards, automation and batch processing that reduces staff workload, freeing time for more impactful services and community engagement.
New features in Libero 6 have been designed to support modern library operations, these include:
- The Event Management feature provides libraries with the ability to create and promote library events for members to register for. With Event Management library staff save time, reduce the need for external applications, and provide communities with access to events in a way that best suits them.
- Room and Resource Booking improves efficiency in libraries by simplifying the reservation process for rooms, equipment, and other available resources. It reduces administrative workload by automating bookings, eliminating scheduling conflicts, and providing real-time availability updates.
3. Data Security Vulnerabilities
A key challenge in storing digital library data is ensuring its security and privacy. Legacy or unsupported LMS platforms may lack current security features or updates, leaving libraries vulnerable to data breaches, cyberattacks, data loss, or compliance failures.
Libraries have a responsibility to securely protect the information trusted to them by their members and communities. Libero 6’s strict physical and data security standards comply with stringent privacy regulations. Having comprehensive security controls with the LMS ensure libraries can provide a safe and trusted experience for their members.
4. Limited Integration with New Technologies
From digital resources to cloud-based services and mobile apps, an LMS must be able to interface and integrate across platforms. Outdated systems may be incompatible with modern technologies, limiting the ability of the library to offer new services, adopt best practices, or collaborate with partners.
A Libero 6 LMS will integrate eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming media, databases, and local history catalogues into a single unified search from leading content providers such as OverDrive, BorrowBox and Hoopla. It will provide members instant access to real-time availability, one-click borrowing and reserving, and a consolidated view of all digital loans.
With the Libero Library App, libraries extend member engagement and experience beyond the library to wherever they may be. Members access and connect digitally with your library 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
5. Missed Opportunities for Data-Driven Decision Making
Modern LMS’s offer advanced analytics and reporting tools that enable libraries to make data-driven decisions—whether evaluating usage trends, optimising collection development, or demonstrating impact to stakeholders. A legacy LMS will lack this capability, making it more difficult to track key metrics, justify funding, or forecast future needs.
Within Libero 6 there is a set of over 200 standard reports, containing key metrics and statistics from the library environment. Libero 6 Cloud libraries are able to immediately run any user report available in the Libero Portal and any new or updated reports are available to make use of immediately.
6. Rising Maintenance and Support Costs
Maintaining a legacy LMS is costly – vendors may end support, hardware may become obsolete, and fixes will inevitably be time-consuming and expensive. Libero has over 35 years of experience supporting libraries of all types. Our customer-focused support team ensures your library stays operational, efficient, and future-ready.
“The customer support team are always responsive to our needs, and keen to help resolve any problems we may encounter.” Eurobodalla Libraries
“The support team have been very reliable – promptly addressing and resolving technical issues that come up. I also appreciate that when they might not know the answer straight away, they still let me know they are looking into it.” Mid North Coast Co-operative
Conclusion
A supported LMS solution like Libero 6 also goes beyond basic functionality. They enhance the experience for both staff and members – connecting communities with collections, programs, and services in more meaningful and accessible ways. With features like mobile apps, integration with e-book platforms, discovery tools, analytics, and automation, a modern LMS is central to how today’s libraries remain responsive, inclusive, and member focused.
To avoid being hindered by depreciating and unsupported technology, library leadership and administrators should evaluate a modern LMS like Libero 6. For guidance on initiating this essential move, please look at our related article, Key considerations checklist for selecting a Library Management System where you can download a useful checklist.
Embracing a modern LMS is imperative for a library to remain relevant, secure, and member focused in the digital age. Contact us and start elevating the library experience with Libero 6 today.