Softlink partners with the Education Authority to provide Oliver Library Software to Northern Ireland schools

Softlink Education is proud to partner with the Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland to launch the new Education Library Management System (ELMS), a modern library solution powered by Softlink’s Oliver v5 Library Software.. This partnership will provide every EA school with access to the same trusted library management system already used by thousands of schools worldwide, Oliver v5.

Equal Access Through Digital Innovation

As a flagship project under EA’s transformative Education Information Solutions (EdIS) Programme, Oliver v5 provides much more than a library management tool; it is a comprehensive digital platform designed to address educational needs across the spectrum. It will provide all pupils with equal access to books, digital resources, and interactive tools designed to enhance reading skills. Crucially, this access is provided in a format suitable for all ages and abilities.

The system also enhances digital cataloguing and reporting facilities. EdIS Programme Director, Frances Meehan, explained: 

"Streamlined processes and reporting will allow us to circulate library items more efficiently to get the right books and resources into the hands of children when they need them”. 

Launch and Purpose

The project was officially launched at Killicomaine Junior High School in Portadown, where UK Patron of Reading and children’s author Joffre White attended the event and praised the library system for its potential to revolutionise literacy engagement for young readers and inspire a lifelong love of reading. 

“The beating heart of every school should be a library ... This system will inspire generations of readers to come, while offering equitable access to all children here.”

Barney Jenkins, Softlink’s Director of Business Development and Operations, emphasised the shared commitment behind the partnership:

“Working in conjunction with the Education Authority, we will be delivering a solution for schools that will transform their library, enabling and encouraging library use, generating a reading and research culture across Northern Ireland.” 

Looking ahead

The phased rollout of Oliver v5 will extend across all schools, with every school in Northern Ireland expected to have access by the end of 2026. As implementation progresses, we will continue working closely with the Education Authority and schools to ensure the system delivers on its goals: improved efficiencies, better outcomes for students and staff, robust stock management, and meaningful insights into reading across the system.

Softlink looks forward to continuing this partnership to keep reading and learning firmly at the heart of education in Northern Ireland.

Read more ELMS media releases: 

• Education Authority (EA) | ELMS launch news release. 
• Belfast Telegraph | Coverage of the ELMS rollout and launch event. 
• Northern Ireland World |report on the Killicomaine JHS launch. 
• Love Ballymena | local news piece on the EA’s new library system.