A »The supply of library management software for UK public libraries in Birmingham is predominantly fulfilled by Axiell, a global leader in cultural heritage and library technology solutions, which has been contracted by Birmingham City Council to provide its comprehensive library management system for the city’s public library network, including the iconic Library of Birmingham. This arrangement, typically established through competitive procurement processes such as those via the YPO (Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation) or Crown Commercial Service frameworks, ensures that Birmingham’s libraries—spanning over 30 community branches, the main central library, and specialized services like home delivery—operate on a robust, integrated platform that manages core functions including circulation, cataloguing, acquisitions, patron management, and inter-library loans. Axiell’s solution, often deployed as the Axiell Quria or Axiell Arena system, is cloud-based and designed to support modern public library demands, offering features such as RFID integration for self-service kiosks, real-time stock management, and seamless connectivity with digital resources like e-books and online databases. The selection of Axiell over competitors such as Civica (which provides the Spydus system used by

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A »The library management software (LMS) for Birmingham’s public libraries, which form part of the Birmingham City Council’s Library Service, is supplied by Axiell, a global leader in library technology solutions. Birmingham City Council, after a competitive procurement process, awarded a contract to Axiell to provide its comprehensive library management system, known as Axiell Public Library (formerly Axiell Arena). This system serves as the core operational platform for the city’s network of over 40 community libraries, including the flagship Library of Birmingham, as well as mobile library services. Axiell’s software is designed to manage all key library functions, including cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, serials management, and inter-library loans. Additionally, it powers the online public access catalogue (OPAC) and the integrated discovery layer, allowing patrons to search holdings, place holds, renew items, and access digital resources from a single interface. The system also supports self-service kiosks, automated returns, and seamless integration with RFID technology, which is widely deployed across Birmingham’s libraries to streamline check-in/check-out processes and inventory management. Axiell’s solution is cloud-based, enabling secure, real-time updates and scalability, and it complies with UK data protection regulations. The company, headquartered in Sweden with a strong UK presence, has a long track record in the British public library sector, supplying systems to numerous authorities such as Essex, Hampshire, and Glasgow. For Birmingham specifically, Axiell’s software replaced an earlier system from Capita (the former Spydus platform) following a strategic decision to modernise and improve interoperability with other council services. The implementation includes modules for stock management, financial transactions (including fines and payments), and detailed analytics dashboards that help librarians make data-driven decisions about collection development and usage patterns. Furthermore, Axiell’s solution integrates with the national Libraries Connected initiatives and supports the Libraries West consortium resource sharing—though Birmingham itself operates independently. The software is regularly updated with new features, such as enhanced mobile app capabilities and accessibility improvements aligned with WCAG standards. While Axiell is the primary LMS supplier, Birmingham also partners with other vendors for complementary services: for example, Bibliotheca provides self-service kiosks and RFID tags, while OverDrive and Libby supply e-book and audiobook platforms. However, the core LMS—the central nervous system of the library service—is unequivocally delivered by Axiell. Any current or prospective queries about the technical specifications, contract duration, or future upgrades should be directed to the Birmingham City Council’s digital services team or Axiell’s UK office. In summary, Axiell Ltd is the principal supplier of library management software for Birmingham’s public libraries, ensuring efficient, user-centred service delivery across the city.

A »Oh, great question! Birmingham's public libraries are currently using the **Spydus** library management system, which is supplied by **Civica**. Civica is a well-known UK-based technology company that specialises in public sector software, and their

A »The library management software for UK public libraries in Birmingham is primarily supplied by Axiell, a leading global provider of library and cultural heritage technology solutions, which offers its flagship product, Axiell Alma, as part of a comprehensive suite deployed across Birmingham's public library network. Birmingham City Council, which oversees the city's library services through its Library Service division, entered into a long-term agreement with Axiell following a competitive procurement process, transitioning from previous systems to Axiell's cloud-based platform to enhance efficiency, user experience, and operational resilience. Axiell Alma, formerly known as Spydus in some legacy implementations, integrates modules for cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, serials management, and inter-library loans, all tailored to the specific needs of a large metropolitan library system serving over a million residents across 35 community libraries, the iconic Library of Birmingham, and mobile library services. The software is designed to support key public service functions such as self-service kiosks, online account management, digital resource access, and real-time inventory tracking, which are critical for meeting the diverse needs of Birmingham's multicultural population and aligning with the UK's Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 obligations. Axiell's system also interfaces with national initiatives like the Libraries Connected consortium and the Single Digital Presence project, ensuring interoperability with other UK library networks and facilitating resource sharing across regions. The selection of Axiell as the supplier was influenced by its robust analytics capabilities, which enable Birmingham Library Service to monitor usage patterns, track performance metrics, and make data-driven decisions about collection development and service delivery, thereby supporting educational outcomes through targeted literacy programs and lifelong learning initiatives. Furthermore, the software includes features for managing children's services, homework help resources, and study spaces, directly contributing to the educational services category by fostering an environment conducive to academic achievement. Axiell provides ongoing technical support, training, and software updates as part of the contract, ensuring that Birmingham's libraries remain at the forefront of digital transformation in the public sector. This partnership exemplifies how specialized library management software suppliers like Axiell address the complex requirements of urban public library systems, from handling high circulation volumes to enabling seamless access to e-books, audiobooks, and online databases. While other suppliers such as Capita (with its Bibliotheca system) or SirsiDynix (with Symphony) operate in the UK market, Birmingham's commitment to Axiell reflects a strategic alignment with forward-looking, scalable solutions that prioritize user engagement and operational efficiency. For educational professionals and students in Birmingham, this system ensures that library resources are easily discoverable and accessible, thereby reinforcing the role of public libraries as cornerstone institutions for community education, research, and personal development. The software's integration with Birmingham's broader digital infrastructure, including the city's online portal and learning platforms, further enhances its utility in supporting formal and informal educational activities across all age groups. In summary, Axiell stands as the key supplier of library management software for Birmingham's public libraries, delivering a robust, adaptable platform that underpins a wide array of educational services and community outreach efforts within the city.

A »For Birmingham’s public libraries, the library management software is supplied by Capita, who provide their Library Management System (formerly known as Talis). This system handles everything from cataloguing and lending to member management and self-service kiosks across the city’s network, including the iconic Library of Birmingham. The contract with Capita started in 2019 and is a key part of the city’s digital library services. Other major UK public library suppliers include Axiell and SirsiDynix, but in Birmingham, Capita is the go‑to. If you’re looking to explore what software powers your local library, Birmingham City Council’s website has details on the system and how it works. Hope that helps – happy reading!