POMONA, CA. – January 17, 2006 – Auto-Graphics, Inc. (AUGR.PK), a pioneer and leading provider of customized information management solutions for the library market for over 35 years, is proud to announce a free 90-day trial of AGent Digital Collections, a web-based collection development and delivery product that assists public libraries with the creation and display of their digital collections for patrons to search and enjoy online. The free trial provides a full service, turnkey solution for libraries to build unique digital collections within minutes. Libraries receive all of the necessary cataloging, search, and display software to get started instantly, as well as Auto-Graphics' ASP hosted service with full system support, maintenance, and storage.
The free trial also provides access to an exclusive AGent Digital Collections member community, where libraries can showcase their collection, while networking and sharing ideas with their peers. Using the proven AGent user interface, members can search their own collection along with the collections of fellow community members in a federated search environment. Library collections can also be made universally available for searching as a Z39.50 target, accessible by those outside the member community. As part of the member community, AGent Digital Collections offers a unique Resource Center complete with articles & tips on everything needed from pre- to post-collection development, and much more.
"While digital collections technology is currently available to public libraries, the complex issues of technical staffing, funding, local IT infrastructure, and implementation make most projects too difficult or costly," remarked Paul Cope, Auto-Graphics President. "With that in mind, we have created a fully hosted, turnkey AGent Digital Collections product that removes these barriers and makes viable the construction of a digital community."
AGent Digital Collections is designed for immediate collection development and public display. Once a user logs in, digital files can be uploaded and cataloged in minutes using a simple data entry Web form. An optional advanced metadata editing tool is also available for the more experienced catalogers. The free trial allows libraries to test the immediacy and capability of the system with no risk or obligation.
At any time during or after the free 90-day trial period, libraries can purchase the AGent Digital Collections software and continue to receive Auto-Graphics' ASP hosted service with support, maintenance, and storage for free in addition to the exclusive community member benefits. AGent Digital Collections allows public libraries on a limited budget to use their existing resources to create a powerful, working digital collection. To sign up for the 90-day free trial, visit dc-agent.auto-graphics.com.
About Auto-Graphics, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics has been a technology innovator for more than five decades, providing data automation solutions to customers across multiple industries. For the past 35 years, Auto-Graphics has helped libraries of all sizes become more efficient and patron-centric. Its flagship solution, AGent, is the one of the most comprehensive library automation platforms available today, allowing to libraries of any size manage, share and search their resources. The AGent integrated product suite – currently used by more than 5,000 libraries in North America – comprises a complete ILS system for public libraries; a robust ILL solution for consortial entities and member libraries; and a powerful federated search solution for both public and academic libraries. For more information, please visit www.autographics.com.
