Libraries Online, Inc. owns or licenses all System hardware and software as well as the telecommunications system and peripheral devices (except member-owned PCs and auxiliary printers). LION staff has full operational, maintenance, and user support responsibility for the entire LION-owned System, and offers optional support for member-owned peripherals and local area networks. LION tests and loads new software releases, and continuously monitors LION' s integrated library system and telecom functions. LION staff also negotiates and contracts with all vendors.

Major enhancements of LION's hardware, software and network, the most recent in 2008, have enabled LION to add members, offer many new services, and improve data security. LION library readers can place their own holds, renew checked-out materials, and review their patron record at any public access workstation at that library, or from home, school or their office through the Internet.