Our History

Since 1989, Soutron Global has been satisfying the needs of special collections libraries and archives, providing librarians, archivists, knowledge and information managers with simple, customizable, cloud-based and feature-rich information management software solutions. 

In 2024, Soutron Global acquired MINISIS Inc., an organization renowned for its comprehensive library, archive, preservation and museum collection management software offerings. This strategic move brought together two industry innovators, marking a significant milestone in our respective journeys to provide unparalleled services and innovative solutions to our valued clients.

In 2025 Soutron Global acquired Auto-Graphics, Inc. Originally founded in 1950 and through its commitment to technological innovation and client service, Auto-Graphics has grown to become the largest provider of interlibrary loan (ILL) systems in North America.

By combining our strengths, we are poised to deliver even more robust, flexible and user-friendly solutions. Together, Soutron Global, MINISIS and Auto-Graphics are positioned to deliver a comprehensive suite of tools for libraries, archives, museums and information hubs of all sizes by leveraging our combined expertise to drive further growth and industry innovation.

Key Milestones
1950
Auto-Graphics founded
1972
MINISIS multilingual database system introduced
1975
IDRC sponsored MINISIS becomes an official product in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
1989
Soutron Limited founded in the UK
1992
100th Soutron Library System solution installed
2000
MINISIS Systems Group is divested from the Crown/IDRC to become MINISIS, Inc.
2007
Graham Partridge joins Soutron Limited from Allen & Overy as R & D Director
2012
Soutron announces opening of USA reseller Soutron Global in California, USA
2015
MINISIS presented with Honourable Mention by the 2015 Modern Library Awards
2019
2022
2022
MINISIS database celebrated for 50 years of continuous innovation
2024
2025

About Soutron Global

Soutron Global is an internationally recognized provider of cloud-based, scalable information management systems for corporate archives, libraries, information/knowledge hubs and museums. Soutron has been the longest-serving supplier of library and information management software in the UK market since 1989, with an expanding presence in North America, the European Union and Asian markets. 

As a long-established, client-driven company with strong, award-winning leadership, we partner with organizations around the globe, providing them our decades of industry expertise to help transform their information delivery. In 2022, with support from Atlasview Equity Partners & Bloom Equity Partners, two private equity firms supplying capital and operational expertise, Soutron Global merged its US and UK operations to expand global operations.

With our easily customizable, flexible cloud-based software solutions, we welcome the challenges presented by all sizes and types of archives, libraries, information/knowledge hubs and museums to help them manage collection materials and ‘know-how’ with our flexible, customizable, easy-to-use solutions, saving them time, effort and money.  

About MINISIS

Initially sponsored by the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and continuously developed since 1972, the MINISIS object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) stands out as one of the world’s first freeware and open-source software products.

Known for its mottos “The Little Database Engine That Could” and “Technology with Heart and Understanding”, the MINISIS HDBMS is also distinguished by being one of the first multilingual database systems able to support Arabic and Chinese.

MINISIS prides itself on providing accessible and affordable technology to 10,000+ clients in over 70 countries, including museums, archives, art galleries, public libraries, governments, NGOs and educational institutions.  The software has been used worldwide for special initiatives, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and countless other projects that involve finding data, transforming it into information, and using that information to create knowledge or ‘content’ to better manage organizations and communities, from historical documents to their latest record.

Building on a legacy of innovation since 1950, Auto-Graphics (A-G), now strengthened by its acquisition by Soutron.com, is poised for an even brighter future in library management and resource-sharing solutions. As a first-mover in library automation and resource sharing, A-G has pioneered innovative library products that have provided cost-saving, automation solutions to over 6,000 public, academic, K-12, consortia, and special libraries across North America.

 

About Auto-Graphics 

With a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration and global accessibility, A-G remains dedicated to connecting libraries with their communities. As part of Soutron Global, A-G will be able to leverage expanded resources, AI-driven advancements and an enhanced service network to further elevate its AGent Library Management platform, already North America’s leading interlibrary loan (ILL) resource-sharing solution. 

By combining A-G’s deep-rooted expertise in client relationships, technical ingenuity and unwavering dedication to service with Soutron Global’s innovative vision, we are creating a future where libraries thrive. Our focus remains on delivering customizable, efficient solutions that streamline workflows and empower patrons. This collaboration will enhance A-G’s ability to anticipate and respond to the dynamic needs of the library industry, ensuring clients benefit from the most advanced and customizable tools available. 

 

A Unified Vision for the Future

Backed by decades of creating transformative industry solutions, MINISIS and Soutron provide world-class, accessible and affordable SaaS solutions on a global basis. Our commitment to technological innovation has made both organizations trusted partners for various institutions, including governmental, public, educational, corporate and historical organizations. The history we can recount puts the company in the position of knowing our roots and where our focus is and should be.

Dedicated to exceeding client expectations, we consider our clients’ success to be our success.

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