VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – October 16, 2012 – Atlas Systems, the leading provider of time-saving solutions for libraries, and Compendium Library Services, the developer of simplified solutions for managing and tracking reference requests, today announced an addon that integrates the reference request management functions of Compendium's Knowledge Tracker software with Atlas Systems' Aeon special collections management software. The addon automatically links reference requests in Knowledge Tracker with user records and paging requests in Aeon. With the addon, library staff can respond to reference requests without having to the leave the Aeon application.
According to Genie Powell, Atlas Systems' chief customer officer, Aeon offers special collections a powerful tool for managing the use of their collections, including tracking materials, security and statistics. But, she said, requests for special collections often begin with a reference request and until now there wasn't an easy way to link those requests with the use of special collections materials. 'Customer feedback told us Aeon would be even more valuable if it was integrated with reference requests," Powell said. "Atlas has a solid record of partnering with other technology companies to deliver increased functionality to our customers. The addon structure in our products makes it easy to work with companies like Compendium to integrate with other products that our customers are using."
Ben Myers, president of Compendium, noted that 'leveraging the functionality of Knowledge Tracker is a logical offshoot for Aeon. This allows customers using both services to do a better job of tracking what happens after reference requests are referred on to special collections, enhancing the ability to gather meaningful statistics and closing the loop in the reference department." Myers said that working with Atlas Systems to deliver this robust enhancement went extremely smoothly and that the resulting addon is easy to implement.
Aeon enhances special collections user services by offering researchers the convenience of automated online requesting through a personalized web account. Aeon maximizes staff efficiency while providing unparalleled item tracking, security and statistics.
Developed in cooperation with University of Chicago Libraries, Knowledge Tracker brings together email and online requests, reference referrals, and public information websites in a friendly, online environment. Knowledge Tracker's automatic request routing and user-friendly communication tools result in improved response times.
About Atlas Systems
For more than fifteen years, Atlas Systems has been exclusively dedicated to developing software, training and consulting solutions that enable libraries to transform their user services and maximize workflow efficiency. Atlas is best known for creating the ILLiad interlibrary loan management system now distributed exclusively by OCLC and used by more than 1,100 libraries worldwide. Focused on bringing the benefits of automation to library processes that have not been addressed by other software services, Atlas has introduced Ares, an electronic reserves solution, and Aeon, an online request and workflow management system specifically designed for special collections libraries and archives. For more information, visit www.atlas-sys.com.
About Compendium Library Services
Headquartered in Colorado, Compendium's products include hosting, customization help, training, backups, and support. Knowledge Tracker automatically handles online requests. All data is captured and can be used to route requests to the right person. Email communication is automatically recorded in a central transcript. Desk Tracker automates the collection of public service desk questions, eliminating the inefficiencies of paper tick sheets. For more information, visit www.compendiumlib.com.
