Sydney, 10 December 2021. Civica, a global leader in software for public services has launched The One Thing; a thought leadership series to explore how public libraries around the world libraries can help to stimulate and nurture the innovative ideas that will be needed to tackle the challenges of the post-pandemic world.

With more than 22 years of continuous growth, Civica is the leading provider of smart technology for libraries around the world. The company's integrated library management solution, Spydus, is used by more than 1500 libraries globally.

Civica, in partnership with Brendan Fitzgerald; Director of Library Consultancy 641 DI, has developed a collection of perspectives from leaders around the world of new initiatives and ways to navigate to new futures post pandemic. Libraries, like many industries have also had to turn to a range of strategic planning methods, online conversations and learning opportunities to keep abreast of what communities require and how to provide it.

The project, titled The One Thing', has launched with several key articles and will continue to be published throughout 2022, with experts from across the world will share their thoughts and expertise. These include:

• Dr Matt Finch (UK) on the need for scenario planning
• Stephanie Chase (USA), on adaptability, flexibility and changing hierarchies
• Dr Sadie-Jane Nunis (Singapore) on the mental health challenge facing the library profession
• Trish Hepworth (Australia) on why our core values and ethics, and flowing from that, kindness in connection need to now be critical elements of our professional development and skills for future success
• Jane Cowell (Australia) on how to be both global and local, and the need to "return yourself to the library" and the "library to the community".

Future articles will question interconnected issues that Libraries can impact and change through functional literacy such as homelessness, serving marginalised communities and tackling misinformation.

Iain Finlayson, Managing Director Library and Education at Civica says:

"We're delighted to be joining forces with Brendan Fitzgerald to establish The One Thing. As the leading global provider of smart software for libraries, we've seen first-hand the positive impact that these vital public institutions have on people and communities both here in Australia and around the world.

Through continuous year-on-year investment in our software, we're not only helping libraries to keep pace with innovation and change, we're helping them to become the catalyst for these things."

Director of Library Consultancy 641 DI, Brendan Fitzgerald added:

"Leading these conversations is integral for Libraries to continue growing in local communities while working their way through key challenges in the sector. By focusing on how we can resolve and innovate, The One Thing is key to contributing to improved learning and connectivity".

About Civica Group

Civica is one of the UK's largest software companies and a leading provider in APAC, with over 30 years of proven expertise in delivering improved outcomes for public services around the world.

About Spydus and Civica Libraries

The Spydus Integrated Library Management Solution is used by more than 1,500 libraries around the world. Spydus increases library efficiency by harnessing cloud technology. Civica is a leading library management system provider for public libraries and education institutions across the world with customers across Australia, New Zealand, North America Singapore, and the UK.