Your checklist for evaluating a new Integrated Library System

In 2026, choosing the right Integrated Library System (ILS) is a critical decision for your library.

Key considerations include the necessary core functionality (circulation, cataloging, reporting) and exceptional user experience for both staff and patrons. Also consider vendor support and training options, total cost of ownership (licencing, installation), and the system’s overall scalability and flexibility to meet future needs.

Below is a comprehensive checklist recommended by Libero by Knosys to help you evaluate and select the best ILS for your library.

Table of Contents

1. What core functionality should your ILS include?

2. What are the essential factors for a top-tier ILS user experience?

3. How will the ILS be implemented and supported?

4. Is the ILS reliable and secure?

1. What core functionality should an ILS include?

Ensure the ILS includes essential features such as:

• Cataloging to organize and maintain your collection.
• Circulation Management to streamline borrowing and returns.
• Acquisitions & Serial Management for handling new materials and subscriptions.
• Patron Account Management for easy access and control.
• Search & Discovery tools to help users find resources quickly.
• Reporting & Analytics for data-driven decision-making.

2. What are the essential factors for a top-tier ILS user experience?

A great ILS should prioritize usability and accessibility:

• Easy to use with intuitive interface(s): Is the system user-friendly for both library staff and patrons? Library patrons should be able to quickly grasp and find what they need, borrow materials, and manage their accounts without extensive training.   
• Multi-device access: Does the vendor have a mobile offering in addition to their online WebOPAC? A library app will complement your main ILS by offering the same functionality accessible on a mobile device.   
• Excellence in search and discovery capability: Will the ILS meet the needs of patrons when they are searching for content? For example, will they be able to find content from multiple sources in the same search results? Will the system recommend items for patrons to explore further?  

3. How will the ILS be implemented and supported?

Before committing to purchasing an ILS, understand the vendor’s approach to:

• The implementation process: What is involved in the ILS implementation? Does the vendor provide onboarding, training, and migration support? Understand from the vendor how this works to ensure the successful implementation of your new ILS.  
• What support options are available? What channels and response times are offered?
• Cost structure: Understand the proposed investment model and ask questions about the cost structure for the ILS you are evaluating.  Things to consider include upfront cost, ongoing maintenance fees, subscription fees, plus any additional costs for potential future training and development.  

4. Is the ILS reliable and secure?

In 2026, on-premise servers are increasingly becoming legacy risks. Prioritize a SaaS (Software as a Service) ILS to ensure your data is accessible from anywhere.

• Scalability: Can the ILS grow with your library’s membership and collection?
• Data Security: What security features are included? The ILS should provide strong security to protect patron data and library resources. Does the vendor provide a single-tenanted approach?  
• Integrations: Are there integrations with other systems? Can the ILS securely integrate with other library systems or other digital library content you use? Does it use standard protocols like OAI-PMH for sharing data across platforms? 

Don’t forget these important tasks: 

• Gather vendor references:  Ask the vendor for references from current and past clients with similar library needs.  
• Do your online research: Find out about the vendor’s development roadmap. Are they investing in new features?  Read online reviews and comparisons of different ILS options.  

Make an informed choice

This checklist is designed to facilitate an informed decision-making process when selecting an integrated library system that aligns with your library’s specific requirements. 

Libero delivers exceptional experiences to empower, inspire, and connect your patrons by providing access to knowledge, technology, and vibrant community spaces in one integrated system.

To learn more about a Libero 6 ILS contact us today or request a demo.