Vendor News Roundup | ALA 2014

Trying to keep up with all the vendor, publisher, and product news coming out of the year’s biggest gathering of librarians? So are we. This is a selection of announcements that vendors have sent LJ staff this week prior to the ALA 2014 annual convention. If we missed your announcement, please feel free to post an excerpt in our comments section.

ALA Applauds Simon & Schuster Expansion of Ebook Licensing to Libraries

ALA on June 26 applauded Simon & Schuster’s plans to expand its library ebook lending pilot nationwide, making its collection of titles available to all U.S. libraries. From ALA: Simon & Schuster now sells ebook titles to libraries for one year from the date of purchase and includes a “Buy It Now” capability for patron purchase through the ebook. “Today represents an important milestone for improving the ability of libraries to serve the public in the digital age,” ALA President Barbara Stripling said in a statement to the press. “America’s libraries are the quintessential institution in connecting authors and readers. We have always known that library lending encourages patrons to experiment by sampling new authors, topics and genres. This experimentation stimulates the market for books—with the library serving as a critical de facto discovery, promotion and awareness service for authors and publishers.” http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/06/ala-applauds-simon-schuster-nationwide-expansion-library-ebook-lending

ProQuest Debuts Intota Library Services Platform

ProQuest on June 25 announced the debut of their new Intota next-generation Library Services Platform (LSP). The cloud-based, software as a service (SaaS) suite integrates collection management, assessement, discovery, and automated demand driven acquisition capabilities into a single solution, designed to replace a traditional integrated library system. Its individual modules, such as the collection analytics service Intota Assessment, are interoperable with a library’s existing ILS. The system was designed for enhanced management of electronic and print resources in unified workflows. “Intota represents transformation for library workflows,” Jane Burke, ProQuest’s vice president, market development, said in an announcement. “The seamless integration of management, discovery and assessment fueled by our Knowledgebase, delivers more value and compelling capabilities – which truly enable library transformation. As library collections have become increasingly electronic, requirements to manage and provide access to those collections have fundamentally changed.” http://www.proquest.com/about/news/2014/Intota-Enables-Transformation-of-Library-Workflows.html

EBSCO Announces Support for Open Discovery

EBSCO on June 26 announced full support for the final recommendations of the National Information Standards Oranization’s (NISO) Open Discovery Innitiative (ODI) working group. From EBSCO: ODI sets forth several objectives which cover: metadata sharing, fair or unbiased linking from discovery services to publishers’ content, and the provision of usage statistics – all of which EBSCO supports. As it pertains to metadata sharing, ODI calls for content providers to make core metadata available to discovery vendors, including underlying full-text/original content for complete offerings, for the purposes of indexing. Within the ODI report, A&I resources are noted separately, acknowledging that there is a complex set of issues surrounding the inclusion of A&I service data within discovery services. The report states that “A&I resources must be treated with special consideration.” Additionally, ODI recommendations include reference to the National Federation of Abstracting and Information Services document on Recommended Practices: Discovery Services, which considers A&I resources in a similar manner by underscoring the risks associated with the incorrect use of subject indexes in ranking algorithms, issues surrounding the merging of records, etc. http://www.ebscohost.com/newsroom/stories/ebsco-announces-support-for-open-discovery-initiative-recommendations

Auto-Graphics Releases VERSO 4

Library automation provider Auto-Graphics on June 25 announced the release of VERSO 4, the latest iteration of its integrated library system (ILS). Key features of the new web-based, NCIP-compliant ILS include full functionality on tablet devices, enabling staff to perform all circulation, OPAC, inventory, and configuration functions on tablet computers. The latest release also features a UX design module that will allow staff members to customize all aspects of the site, including widget creation; full integration with third party vendors including OverDrive, NoveList, Comprise, and ChiliFresh; enhancements and updates to text messaging and telephone delivery notifications; system created collection development reports, including purchase alert ratios and library turnover rate reports; FRBR-like aggregation of clustered and merged results for both patron and staff display; and gallery, list, and coverflow grid results and view options. http://agblog.auto-graphics.com/verso-4-faq-what-will-change-with-the-upgrade/

TLC Launches CARL•Connect, a Web-based, Tablet-friendly Staff Client

The Library Corporation (TLC) on June 19 announced CARL•Connect, a web-based staff client that enables librarians to perform materials searches, library card registration, checkouts, patron lookup, and other functions using tablets and other mobile devices. The new product line is part of TLC’s effort to reinvent its full suite of CARL products, ultimately offering “web-scale interfaces for circulation, cataloging and reports, as well as planning for other staff interfaces, to further meet the changing needs of a modern library’s flexible and expansive service models,” according to a company announcement. http://www.tlcdelivers.com/2014/06/introducing-carl-connect-tlcs-latest-web-based-interface-for-the-mobile-minded/

Ingram Adds New Tools for Academic Libraries on ipage

Ingram Content Group on June 26 announced enhancements to its ipage search and order platform. New features and enhancements include multiple search, filtering and content sorting options in addition to functionality to review and manage new title notifications and print and e-book approval plans. In addition to fast search results and intuitive navigation, other tools developed exclusively for Ingram academic library customers, include batch title processing choices and options to stay connected with colleagues anywhere with forwarding and email options and quick access to a view of actions taken on titles. “I’m confident that our enhanced ipage platform will improve the experience of our users, and give them tools to more easily find and purchase content to meet the complex needs of their patrons,” said Shawn Everson, chief commercial officer, Ingram Content Group, said in an announcement. http://www.ingramcontent.com/pressreleases/Pages/Ingram-Adds-New-Tools-for-Academic-Libraries-on-ipage-Search-and-Order-Content-Platform.aspx

YBP GOBI3 and Ex Libris Alma Partner to Streamline Library Operations
Library automation and technology solution provider Ex Libris Group on June 27 announced a new collaboration with Baker & Taylor’s content-management services provider YBP Library Services to offer a new, streamlined acquisition process for academic and research libraries that use Ex Libris Alma and the YBP Global Online Bibliographic Information (GOBI3) platforms. Leveraging Alma’s open architecture, the first deliverable of this project will automatically update Alma in real time with all print and electronic orders placed via the GOBI3 platform. As a result, librarians will be spared the task of replicating these transactions in the Alma interface. Ex Libris and YBP plan to release this first deliverable in the coming months. http://bit.ly/TDV8Bx

SirsiDynix Announces BLUEcloud Campus, an LSP Built for Education

SirsiDynix on June 27 announced BLUEcloud Campus, a next-generation library services platform (LSP) designed for the needs of academic and research libraries. “We’ve spent the last year building a collaborative partnership with EBSCO that will help us deliver enhanced functionality to the academic and school marketplace,” Bill Davison, CEO of SirsiDynix, said in an announcement. “This LSP will give academic and school libraries electronic and physical content management tools designed for researchers and students, as well as integration with education-specific programs like learning management systems. Working with a world-class organization such as EBSCO allows us to leverage the valuable metadata from EBSCO Discovery Service and bring this unique product that includes resources from both Sirsidynix and EBSCO to our industry. We believe BLUEcoud Campus will change the way we think about content and the ways it can integrate with a library services platform.” http://www.sirsidynix.com/press/sirsidynix-announces-bluecloud-campus-an-lsp-built-for-education

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Releases Banned Books Week Handbook

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund on June 27 released its first-ever Banned Books Week Handbook. The free resource gives librarians information about what comics are banned, how to report and fight censorship, and how to make a celebration of Banned Books Week in your community. Featuring a cover by Jeff Smith, whose “Bone” series is one of America’s most frequently challenged books, the CBLDF Banned Books Week Handbook debuts at the ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. This year’s Banned Books Week, which runs September 21 – 27, will have a national focus on comics and graphic novels. The handbook is currently available as a free download<http://cbldf.org/librarian-tools/cbldf-banned-books-week-handbook> on CBLDF.org. Bundles of the printed handbook are also available from CBLDF.org<http://cbldf.myshopify.com/products/celebrate-banned-books-week-cbldf-banned-books-week-handbook>, and in the July issue of Diamond Previews (JUL141050).

EBSCO Debuts “Discovery Pulse” Blog

EBSCO has launched the EBSCO Discovery Pulse blog as a place to discuss industry trends and perspectives, technology news and product updates. Examples of topics include user expectations and behaviors; content accessibility, best practices, prediction and relevance in search and e-resource administration. Visit the blog to learn more: http://bit.ly/DPBintro625F.

ProQuest Debuts Beta of New Ebook Reader for ebrary and EBL

ProQuest on June 26 announced the beta launch of the ebrary Reader, developed for the integrated platform that will unite ProQuest’s businesses ebrary and Ebook Library, EBL. From ProQuest: The new ebrary Reader is designed to meet the continually evolving expectations of researchers. Extensive user testing with library patrons, particularly university students in the midst of research projects, steered its development. Copying, printing, downloading and searching within books is streamlined and intuitive navigation gets users to popular features faster. Improved text and page quality boost readability, while new viewing options (including vertical scrolling) give users more control of their reading experience. Further accessibility features for those who are blind or visually impaired will be rolled out later in 2014. ProQuest expects to conclude beta and go live with the new Reader in August. Learn more at www.proquest.com/libraries/academic/ebooks.

Boopsie Integrates Access to OverDrive Read, Offering Seamless Ebook Checkout

Mobile app provider Boopsie on June 23 announced that it has integrated access to OverDrive embedded mobile ebook reader, OverDrive Read, into its library-branded apps for Android and Apple iOS devices. The integration will enable patrons to check out and read OverDrive ebooks and eAudiobooks without downloading additional apps or fulfilling Adobe ID login requirements. From Boopsie: Readers can adjust the settings, including changing the font type and size, or changing the display so it’s easier on their eyes in a dimmer setting. The embedded reader provides a bookmark and a full-text search feature, to help readers keep track of how much they’ve read. http://www.boopsie.com/overdrive-integration-your-librarys-mobile-app/#.U6s_y5RdVu1

Evanced Solutions Announces Wandoo Reader

Evanced Solutions has announced the Wandoo Reader, a reading tracker and game that tracks a child’s progress as they advance through reading difficulty levels geared toward their own reading abilities. In 2014, kids will play a virtual robot-building game, in which they unlock different robot-part combinations and build their own unique robot as their reading progresses. Separately, at ALA this year, Evanced will also showcase the integration of SignUp, the company’s event management software, with Spaces, its new room-booking solution. According to Evanced, the combined solution “publicizes staff-scheduled and patron-sponsored events. Using the two systems together, library staff can eliminate booking conflicts, increase access to library services and make it simple to track stats, such as registration and attendance numbers.” http://evancedsolutions.com/products/spaces/

3M Cloud Library Launches Next-Gen eLending App

3M Library Systems on June 23 announced several enhancements to its 3M Cloud Library eBook and eAudiobook lending app. The new app features an updated, enhanced interface that will allow users to personalize how they browse for content, enabling them to sort titles into personalized categories and flag favorite types of content. From 3M: Terminology and feature descriptions have also been updated for ease of use, all of which will be available when new app begins rolling out in early August 2014. Along with an improved app experience, patrons continue to enjoy 3M Cloud Library’s expanded content with the addition of eight new publishing partners, bringing the platform’s total titles to more than 300,000 high-quality offerings. http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140623-907634.html

3M SelfCheck Integrates with Comprise Smart Terminal

3M Library Systems on June 25 announced the integration of Comprise Technologies’ Smart Terminal Payment System with the 3M SelfCheck System, providing an additional option to libraries for self-checkout services and fines and fees collection. Smart Terminal secure card readers provide libraries with a PCI-compliant payment system that offers patrons another level of privacy when paying fines and fees by credit card. By processing the transaction through the SmartPAY Internet Gateway, the transaction is processed outside of the library network. The system integrates with the library ILS and provides library staff with 24/7 access to audit level reporting. 3M SelfCheck Systems offer libraries and library patrons a wide variety of options to provide a reliable, streamlined process for checking out library materials, viewing account information and paying fines and fees.

Yuyi Morales, Meg Medina to Receive Prestigious Belpré Medal for Excellence in Latino Children’s Literature

Yuyi Morales, illustrator of Niño Wrestles the World, and Meg Medina, author of Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, will receive the prestigious Belpré Medal during the annual meeting of the American Library Association to be held on Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Caesars Palace – Octavius 01-04, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. The Pura Belpré Medal, established in 1996, honors Latino authors and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in works for children. The award is jointly co-sponsored by REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA), and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of ALA. http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/01/yuyi-morales-y-meg-medina-ganan-premios-pura-belpr

Credo Updates Platform for Online Reference Service  

From Credo: Credo on June 25 unveiled a new look to their award-winning Credo Online Reference Service, updating several features with a focus on user experience. The enhancements are based on input from subscribers matched with cutting edge technology to create a cleaner, more modernized layout and increased searchability. This intuitive interface makes it easier for learners to focus on discovering information while an improved mobile experience for smartphones and tablets demonstrates Credo’s commitment to providing high-quality content anytime, anywhere. A new “Listen” feature increases accessibility by reading content aloud. A translation tool will also be available, allowing Topic Pages and entries to be viewed in dozens of different languages. http://corp.credoreference.com/product-services/credo-online-reference-service.html

Copyright Clearance Center Signs SAGE to Get It Now Service

Global licensing and content solutions provider Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) on June 24 announced that SAGE had become the 100th publisher to participate in its Get It Now article delivery service. From CCC: Other publishers recently added include Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., Thieme, and Wageningen Academic Publishers. CCC has also announced a new, customizable dashboard for Get It Now. Developed based on customer requests and feedback, the Get It Now Dashboard allows librarians and staff to easily manage and track spending for article purchases, generate real-time usage reports, and quickly configure the service for their specific needs…. Get It Now is offered in two versions. The unmediated model makes use of an OpenURL link resolver, enabling patrons to independently search, find and receive full-text articles in minutes. The OCLC ILLiad-based mediated model shifts the responsibility of ordering articles to the librarians, providing them greater oversight of article orders and budget. http://www.copyright.com/content/cc3/en/toolbar/aboutUs/newsRoom/pressReleases/press_2014/press-release-14-06-24.html

67 Library Systems Gain Access to Contextual Book Recommendations Through BiblioCommons, Zola Books Partnership

BiblioCommons and Zola Books on June 23 announced that they have partnered to make Zola’s Bookish Recommends contextual recommendation algorithm available to 67 libraries across the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand through the BiblioCommons online library catalog service. From the announcement: The Bookish Recommends algorithm works by using the unique identifier of a book on a catalog page to search 500,000 unique books with over 1.7 billion relationships in a graph database. The recommendations are weighted based on a number of factors, including unique micro book genres and availability in the library’s catalog…. Bookish Recommends shows library patrons high quality book recommendations related to a book on any library website powered by BiblioCommons. If there’s a wait time for a popular book, Bookish Recommends can help patrons find other good reads in the meantime. Or, if patrons love a particular book, they can pick from a list of books with similar characteristics, including not only current bestsellers but also lesser-known, high-quality books they might not otherwise hear about.