At Shiplake College in Oxfordshire, the library is central to both academic and personal learning. When librarian Sally Bayley took over management of the library, she quickly spotted the need for a school library management system that was simple for staff and students, cost-effective for the bursar, and reliable enough to support everyday learning.
Sally inherited a library management system that was expensive, outdated, and unpopular:
Cumbersome experience: “The existing system was irritating to use because it was clunky.”
Low engagement: Students and teachers avoided using it altogether.
Unjustified costs: “I didn’t want to pay for training for a system I already didn’t like.”
The result? Wasted budget, low adoption, and a library system nobody wanted to use.
While researching alternatives, Sally discovered Simple Little Library System (SLLS) on the School Library Association website. The 30-day free trial allowed her to test every feature with staff and students in a real-world setting – no risk, no commitment.
The difference was immediate:
Modern, intuitive design: “It has an ‘iPad feel – it was easy to work out what you needed to do.”
Simple workflows: Teachers and students could start using it straight away, without lengthy training.
Built for librarians too: As a school library management system designed by a Chartered librarian, SLLS also offered professional-level features without overwhelming casual users.
Responsive support: “I didn’t have to pay for expensive training because Bailey Solutions provides free help videos and the support team respond within half an hour.”
“Compared to our previous system, we’re saving money and getting much better engagement.”
Switching to SLLS provided Shiplake with an affordable and easy-to-use system that staff and students immediately embraced. The benefits were clear:
Higher adoption: Staff and students now use the system confidently and independently.
Cost savings: “The Bursar was pleased – the software is very affordable.” Money saved could be redirected to other priorities.
Flexible budgeting: Monthly payments eased financial pressures and gave the school more control.
Ongoing improvements: Regular updates keep the system fresh, secure, and compliant with UK and European data protection laws – without extra effort or cost.
When Sally arrived at Shiplake College she found the existing system irritating to use because it was 'clunky'. Students and teachers also found it difficult to use. Sally didn't want to pay for training for a system she already didn't like.
"Affordable library software"
Sally did her research and found Simple Little Library System on the School Library Association website. She took up a 30 day trial which gave her time to review the software. Students and teachers found it easy to use.
Sally found that SLLS had an ‘iPad’ feel and it was easy to work out what you needed to do. She also found that she didn’t have to pay for expensive training because Bailey Solutions supplies free help videos and the support team respond within half an hour to her support requests.
Shiplake College’s Bursar was pleased because the software is very affordable. Compared to their spend with the existing system supplier, the college could save money to spend on other resources. Shiplake College chose to pay monthly, easing cash flow, and only one month’s notice is required to cancel after the first year.
Free 30-day trial available – no credit card, no obligation. Contact our team today and see how simple, affordable, and effective your library management system can be.
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