Systematic re-wins valuable contract for Denmark’s library system

The software company Systematic has just signed an important, three-digit DKK million contract with the Danish municipalities’ joint IT organisation KOMBIT to continue the development and operation of the IT system for all public and school libraries in Denmark until 2038.

Supplying Denmark’s national library system since 2015 has opened doors to new international markets for Systematic with its Cicero library system. The contract expires at the end of 2025, and KOMBIT’s choice of supplier for the Common Library System (FBS) 2.0 has been eagerly awaited by the software company.

Systematic was awarded the contract shortly before New Year, and will now develop and implement the libraries’ new IT solution as well as handling operations and further development in the coming years. The contract, signed with KOMBIT on behalf of Denmark’s ’s municipalities, has an estimated value of DKK 220 million.

Denmark a source of inspiration for foreign countries
Since 2015, Systematic’s library system Cicero has been the backbone of the Common Library System, and is used daily by all Danish public and school libraries. For Jakob Ilum Damsgaard, Director of Library & Learning at Systematic, the contract is an endorsement of Cicero:

“Denmark is one of the few countries worldwide with a fully integrated national library system. This unique model has made us a source of inspiration for other countries that currently need to replace old library systems. Re-winning the agreement with KOMBIT strengthens our international market position with Cicero, and gives us a solid foundation for continued international growth,” he says.

Over the past three years, Systematic has won valuable contracts to supply Cicero to Oslo and several regions in Norway, to Stockholm in Sweden, and to the entire German state of Hamburg. At the same time, the IT company continues to experience growing interest from several countries.

Future-proof library system with a high degree of security and automation
The new contract gives Danish libraries a future-proof IT system that streamlines workflows and supports operational reliability and data protection.

At KOMBIT, the project manager for FBS 2.0, Katrine von Freiesleben, has positive expectations for the collaboration.

"We look forward to continuing to provide a system to municipalities that supports library staff in their tasks across the country’s public libraries and educational learning centres. The tender process placed significant emphasis on acquiring a web-based and operationally reliable system capable of accommodating various efficient working methods—regardless of professional background, skills, or time constraints.

We have been introduced to the new user interface, which is both more modern and user-friendly and can be tailored to meet local needs. We believe this will be one of the many features that will add significant value to libraries. We see great potential in this project and greatly appreciate the close collaboration with Systematic,” says Katrine von Freiesleben from KOMBIT.

Jakob Ilum Damsgaard from Systematic is convinced that libraries will be looking forward to the new system.

“Employees at Denmark’s libraries will get a modern library system with new options for being able to customise and streamline workflows so they can shift focus from administrative tasks to helping library users. Cicero’s open IT architecture also makes it possible for municipalities and libraries to work together with other IT suppliers and authorities, thus supporting innovation and good local solutions,” explains Jakob Ilum Damsgaard.

Library staff can therefore prepare for FBS 2.0 being web-based, with a new look and feel and more efficient workflows. Systematic will be providing training and implementation support in close cooperation with KOMBIT to make the transition as smooth as possible.

A mobile library system
With the agreement, libraries will receive the web-based version of Cicero, which can be used on PCs, tablets and smartphones. This means that librarians can work more flexibly and take the system wherever they go – for example in mobile libraries or to events outside the library premises.

“The work and tasks of libraries are changing, just like everything else in society. Therefore, it’s important that they have a flexible system that is accessible – no matter where they are,” says Jakob Ilum Damsgaard.

He believes that libraries will continue to play a central role in society in future by ensuring that all citizens have access to knowledge, development and culture. And Systematic is keen to support this function.

“Libraries are the foundation for democratic education and lifelong learning. The fact that we will be able to support this for many years to come is both a considerable task and an important responsibility. We’re really happy that we are being given the opportunity to continue this work,” says Jakob Ilum Damsgaard in conclusion.