How International Schools Can Automate Their Library & Free Up Time for What Matters
The Hidden Cost of Manual Library Management
Managing a school library without automation is overwhelming. You’re manually importing records, tracking overdue books, handling classroom requests, and updating spreadsheets – all while trying to support reading and instruction.
In international schools, these tasks are often harder with multiple curricula, languages, a staff changes. And when admin tasks take over, students miss out.
The good news? Library automation doesn’t just reduce workload – it transforms your capacity to serve students and support the broader school mission.
Why Automation Matters More in International Schools
International schools face unique challenges:
- High student mobility and fluctuating enrollment
- Diverse student language needs
- Limited access to IT or technical support
- Cross-curricular resource demands from multiple departments
- Cultural and curriculum diversity requiring adaptable systems
With these complexities, automation isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
That’s where Accessit Library by Follett Software shines. It’s a powerful, user-friendly platform that automates the most time-consuming aspects of library management – freeing you up to lead, teach, and connect.
What Library Tasks Can Be Automated?
Here’s what international school librarians are automating with Accessit Library today:
1. Borrower Synchronization
Automatically sync student details – including names, classes, year levels, and contact information – from your school’s student information system (SIS).
This means no more manual data entry when students arrive midyear or shift classes. Visit the Accessit website here to view the tools that are best fit for your school’s needs.
“It’s always easier than anticipated. I import student data with just a few clicks.”
– High School Librarian, Southeast Asia
2. Overdue Notifications
Chasing overdue books shouldn’t take up your day. Accessit lets you send automated email reminders to students and parents, encouraging prompt returns.
You can even customize the language, frequency, and tone – making communication feel personal, not robotic. Students and parents are more likely (and willing) to respond to an email sounding personable rather than mechanical.
3. Cataloging New Books
With Accessit, you can catalog entire batches of new books in minutes.
Assign a batch number, scan the books, and let the system do the rest – including tagging them by topic, level, or funding source.
This makes it easy to process large orders and get books into students’ hands faster.
4. Self-Service Checkouts and Renewals
Offer students independence with the ability to:
- Check out and return books independently
- View their borrowing history
- Place holds or renew books from any device
This saves time at the desk and builds student ownership as students learn to take care of their library needs themselves. This makes librarians (and parents) happy!
5. Inventory and Record Management
Say goodbye to bulky spreadsheets. Accessit lets you:
- Track items by location, class, or category
- Filter and sort catalog records instantly
- See real-time status on overdue, lost, or reserved books
- Quickly reconcile inventory during audits
6. Resource Sharing Across Schools
For multicampus international schools, Accessit enables resource sharing across sites while maintaining clean data and localised borrowing policies.
This means books can flow between campuses – without confusion or mismanagement.
More Than Just Time Savings
✔ Increased Accuracy
Automation eliminates human errors in cataloging, borrower records, and circulation. That means fewer mismatched records and less frustration during audits or inspections.
✔ Better Student Service
With repetitive tasks out of the way, librarians can spend more time helping students find the right books, teaching research skills, and collaborating with teachers.
✔ Data for Advocacy
Automated reporting gives you insights you can act on – from circulation trends to underused resources. Use this data to make purchasing decisions and advocate for your library’s value.
Building a Future-Ready Library
Automation doesn’t mean replacing librarians. It means amplifying your impact.
With Accessit, you’re not just digitizing processes – you’re creating a smarter, more flexible library that adapts to the unique needs of your international school.
From streamlining admin to enabling real-time access, automation helps you:
- Improve the student experience
- Expand the reach of your library
- Reduce staff burnout
- Elevate the role of the librarian as an instructional partner
Real Stories from the Field
“Accessit has truly changed the way I manage our library. I used to spend hours sorting records – now I can actually plan reading programs and engage with classes.”
– Stacy Cameron, Library Services Coordinator
“Self-checkout and real-time dashboards give students and teachers control. It makes the library more accessible and user-driven.”
– Library Media Specialist, Middle East
What to Automate First? Start Here:
- Borrower Imports: Get your student data synced.
- Overdue Reminders: Set up automated emails.
- Self-Service Setup: Support students with autonomy.
- Batch Cataloging: Improve your next book delivery.
- Reporting Dashboards: Start tracking trends today.
Learn More About Accessit Library
Imagine what your library could look like if you had hours back each week.
Accessit Library by Follett Software gives you the tools to automate routine tasks and focus on what matters most: your students and your school community.
