POMONA, CA. - March 29, 2005- Auto-Graphics, Inc. (AUGR.PK) is proud to announce that AGent LibraryCard(tm), an online library card application system, is now available to all statewide, consortium, and individual libraries as a powerful tool for new patron enrollment initiatives. AGent LibraryCard is designed to reach an increasingly significant number of residents that obtain most or all of their information from online sources and may not visit their local public library. Libraries can now turn these individuals into new patrons by allowing them to apply remotely for a temporary library card number, and receive "instant gratification" by gaining immediate access to their participating library's online resources.
Submitted library card applications are transmitted to the appropriate library or branch based on the geographical location of each patron's residence. Patrons can then receive a permanent physical library card in accordance with their participating library's policies and procedures. AGent LibraryCard includes a variety of administration tools for helping staff manage incoming applications and can also be expanded to authenticate patrons using the SIP2 or NCIP protocols for loading patron application information directly into the library's local ILS system. The technology also has the capability to validate a patron's information against a trusted database, such as your local state or province's vehicle licensing agency.
AGent LibraryCard provides an effective way for public libraries to reach out to previously unattainable patrons and is an ideal complement to the "The Smartest Card. Get it. Use it. @ your library" campaign sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and Public Library Association (PLA), a division of ALA. Libraries can now add an online component to their patron enrollment efforts. Additionally, with AGent LibraryCard, a "One Card" statewide or province wide system can also be supported, in which all participating libraries from a particular state or province adopt uniform policies for issuing and using a library card. LibraryCard is the latest
addition to the AGent suite of integrated products and can be maintained via Auto-Graphics' ASP hosted license service or locally licensed. To learn more about AGent LibraryCard, visit www.librarycard.com.
"We're thrilled to provide libraries nationwide with the opportunity to boost patron membership through our exciting new AGent LibraryCard initiative. We realize that the 'The Smartest Card. Get it. Use it. @ your library' campaign is an important initiative to the library community and we look forward to offering additional tools to help libraries meet their goals," commented Albert Flores, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Auto-Graphics.
Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics provides a broad range of library services, including resource sharing and portal software services to create, manage, publish, and access information using the Internet. Auto-Graphics has played a leading role for over 50 years in turning the rapid technological developments into advanced products and services that are currently used by more than 10,000 libraries in North America. The Company's website is located at www.auto-graphics.com.
