Single Digital Presence renamed as LibraryOn, with dedicated website

The Single Digital Presence, a long-planned national website for all public libraries, has been renamed as LibraryOn, and now has its own website. 

The British Library posted an update on the new digital platform yesterday (3rd November), and said LibraryOn is being developed “to promote what libraries bring to communities across the UK and bring people closer to their local library”.

The website also showcases a logo for the project and says LibraryOn “will work with library staff to share the great work they do and highlight what libraries have to offer.” It notes: “Libraries have always been cornerstones of local communities in the UK, but today what they offer is not widely understood. Many people don’t know they can get books, audiobooks and e-books for free, and that there are a range of activities and events available to them.” 

Those working in the libraries sector can visit LibraryOn.org to learn more and sign up for a project newsletter.  

The Bookseller previously reported the beta version of the Single Digital Presence will be available for users and the sector by early 2023. Some trade commentators said they were concerned about the time the project was taking to get off the ground, and warned “patience is wearing thin”.   

In a blog post in October, Tiina Hill The British Library’s Single Digital Presence head of delivery for public libraries and community engagement, acknowledged this and emphasised the project would be “an example of agile product development” to “design things that look real, test them with people, and aim to come away with insights that help us improve the user experience".

She said: “This process is anchored in the notion that in order to solve real problems – be they for library staff, existing users or those who aren’t currently using libraries – we will get the best idea of what we need to build by showing people true-to-life examples and getting their real-time feedback.” 

She added: “Our early explorations and discussions with public library staff have shown us that to build a truly national platform that supports loans and events will take considerable time. And while these services are still on the horizon, we’re now focusing on what we can deliver for the sector earlier, while continuing to learn what we need to do to build a more all-encompassing platform further down the road.” 

“Of course, a project of this nature has many other moving parts. Over the last nine months, we have been working with experienced creative agency FCB Inferno to undertake in-depth research with libraries and audiences to develop the platform’s new name and look. We’ll be sharing this very soon, following testing of the final designs.

“In addition, we’re holding regular show-and-tells with key colleagues here at the British Library and within the library sector. We’re also going to be starting monthly open drop-in sessions for sector stakeholders to attend from November.”