Read data like an open book

The KB National Library faced the challenge of modernizing its data platform to improve data collection and reporting for 1,247 public libraries in the Netherlands.

The current system primarily focused on lending functions and needed to expand to include socio-educational and cultural services.

Sogeti was selected to develop and manage a renewed data platform built within a Microsoft Azure environment.

This new platform, enhanced with AI, will provide secure, user-friendly access to relevant data, meeting the diverse needs of stakeholders.

Renewed data platform

Sogeti is excited to partner with the KB National Library for the next three years, to enhance data management and accessibility. This collaboration, secured after a competitive public tender, includes the potential for a six-year extension, focusing on developing a renewed data platform. This platform will collect and report reading book data across 1,247 public library locations in the Netherlands, utilizing standardized methods to ensure consistency and reliability.

Technology partner for the future

As the chosen technology partner, Sogeti is entrusted with developing, managing, and maintaining this advanced data platform. Our task involves transforming the current data warehouse into a robust and renewed data platform that not only serves the lending functions of public libraries but also extends its capabilities to support socio-educational and cultural services for a wide audience. For instance, the platform will facilitate Click & Tap courses, enriching the educational landscape in the Netherlands.

The new data platform will be built within the existing Microsoft Azure environment of KB’s network. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), we aim to provide users with quick and easy access to all relevant data via self-service, thus enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

The importance of data in libraries

Data is crucial in the library sector, playing a vital role in informing policy decisions and supporting various stakeholders. The data platform is a part of the National Digital Infrastructure, offering valuable insights to policymakers from the Ministry of Education, Statistics Netherlands, and the Association of Dutch Municipalities. Additionally, our partners in the book trade rely heavily on this data to inform their operations and strategies.

“Data is of great importance in the library sector. For example, the data platform is part of the National Digital Infrastructure, which provides insights for policymakers from, for example, the Ministry of Education, Statistics Netherlands, and the Association of Dutch Municipalities. Our partners in the book trade also rely on a lot of data. This requires a data platform that is accessible in a secure and, at the same time, user-friendly way for a diverse group of stakeholders. Sogeti is a reliable partner for us that has the relevant knowledge in-house to bring our data platform to a new phase.”

Eva de Jong, Member of the Board of Directors, Portfolio Business Operations of the KB National Library.

Towards a modern data platform 

This partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to data management, aligning with the evolving needs of libraries and their patrons. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI and cloud services, we are setting the stage for a more efficient, accessible, and impactful data platform. This platform will not only serve the immediate needs of the KB National Library but will also have broader implications for educational and cultural services across the Netherlands.

Join us on this journey

The future is in the hands of those who explore and chase innovation. At Sogeti, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data. Our partnership with the KB National Library is just one example of how we are leveraging our expertise to make a meaningful impact. If you are interested in creating more value with data without major investments and with predictable costs, we invite you to explore how we can help you achieve your goals.

Combining our technical prowess with a deep understanding of the library sector, we are confident that this renewed data platform will set a new standard for data management in public libraries. Together, we are not just building a data platform; we are shaping the future of library services in the Netherlands.