About Abraquest

Over 20 years of helping schools make the most of their libraries

Abraquest is an affordable, easy-to-use school library management system designed to help primary and secondary schools organise their books, save time and encourage pupils to read.

First developed in 2004, Abraquest has grown and evolved through more than 20 years of working closely with schools and listening to the people who use it.

Today, Abraquest is used by schools across the UK, from small primary school libraries to larger schools and academies with thousands of books.

Our philosophy has always been simple: provide powerful, reliable library software that's easy to use, affordable and backed by friendly, knowledgeable support.

The Story of Abraquest

Abraquest began in 2004 as a collaboration between chartered librarian Maeve Denny and experienced software developer Philip Johnson.

Maeve had extensive experience working with school libraries and helping schools catalogue and organise their books. She recognised the need for a library management system that could make the process easier and more efficient.

Philip developed the original software, combining Maeve's library expertise with his experience in software development.

Initially, Abraquest was used primarily by schools in the Lancashire area, with Maeve personally helping them catalogue their collections and get their libraries organised.

When Maeve retired in 2013, Philip took over the development and running of Abraquest, with a particular focus on making the software easier for schools to use independently.

One of the biggest improvements was the introduction of Abraquest Online, providing access to information on millions of books and dramatically reducing the time needed to catalogue a school library.

Since then, Abraquest has continued to grow, with hundreds of schools benefiting from its straightforward approach to library management.

Meet Philip Johnson

Philip Johnson – Managing Director

Philip has been developing software professionally since 1983 and running his own software business since 1989.

He has been involved with Abraquest since its beginnings in 2004 and is responsible for its ongoing development and support.

Unlike many larger software companies, Abraquest offers a personal approach. When schools have questions, encounter problems or suggest improvements, they can speak directly to someone who knows the software inside out.

Philip believes that the best software is developed by listening to its users.

Many of Abraquest's features have come directly from suggestions made by school librarians, teachers and volunteers who use the system every day.

"Our aim is to make running a school library as easy as possible, so staff can spend less time on administration and more time encouraging children to read."

Continually Improving Abraquest

Although Abraquest has been around for over 20 years, we're certainly not standing still.

We're continually improving the software, introducing new features and taking advantage of modern technology to make school library management even easier.

Recent developments include:

• Wonde integration – Automatically keeping pupil information up to date with your school's Management Information System (MIS).

• Automated cloud backups – Helping schools protect their valuable library data with secure online backups.

• Enhanced reporting and analysis – Giving schools greater insight into borrowing patterns, popular books and pupils' reading habits.

• Regular software improvements – Continually refining Abraquest based on feedback from the schools that use it.

We believe software should get better with age, and our customers benefit from that ongoing investment.

Friendly, Personal Support

We understand that school libraries are often managed by busy teachers, teaching assistants, volunteers or librarians who have many other responsibilities.

That's why we've worked hard to make Abraquest straightforward to use, with helpful support available whenever it's needed.

Our Software Assurance packages include software updates, unlimited telephone and email support, and free online training.

Whether you're setting up your first library, moving from another system or simply need help with a particular feature, we're always happy to assist.

Why Choose Abraquest?

• Over 20 years of experience in school library management.

• Affordable software with clear, transparent pricing.

• Easy to use, even for staff with little library experience.

• Continual improvements and new features.

• Friendly, personal support from people who understand the software.

• A willingness to listen to customers and act on their suggestions.

See Abraquest in Action

The best way to discover what Abraquest can do for your school is to see it working.

We have a series of short demonstration videos showing the main features of the software, or you can arrange a free, no-obligation online demonstration.

We're always happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether Abraquest is right for your school.

Telephone: 0800 133 7410

Email: enquiries@abraquest.co.uk

View Abraquest Prices

Contact Us / Book a Free Demo