Auto-Graphics, Inc., a leading supplier of information and database resource sharing systems, today announced its new information access software which utilizes the full resources of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW). With this new software, libraries and library consortia can provide patrons access to information available collectively from all libraries in a consortium via the Internet and the WWW.
The Impact/ONLINE WebPAC (Public Access Catalog) allows Internet users with virtually any Web browser, such as Netcom's NetCruiser, Netscape Communication Corp.'s NetScape Navigator or Spry's Air Mosaic, to enter a library consortium's home page and access an online catalog or database to locate desired books or other information. The user can then create an Interlibrary Loan Request (ILL request) to obtain the item through their local library or branch from anywhere in the consortium.
'The explosive growth of the Internet and the World Wide Web have made access to information more readily available, and libraries across the country are seeking to take advantage of this new resource' said William Kliss, Auto-Graphics' vice president of sales and marketing. "Auto-Graphics is providing a solution that enables broad, content-rich access to information without overburdening library staff or budgets.'
Anywhere, Anytime Information Access
ibraries, one of nation's greatest resources, provide a valuable repository of information; however, the potential to enrich our communities is often under-utilized. According to Kliss, one of the obstacles has been providing immediate access to the library and with WebPAC Auto-Graphics hopes to break this barrier.
For home computer users, WebPAC provides virtual access to the library around the clack, allowing users to electronically visit the library at their convenience. The user simply dials into the library association's home page, searches for the desired information and orders the materials to be delivered to their local library branch. WebPAC allows the user to search through hundreds of databases or library catalogs with a single search. This process is also efficient for the office worker who does not have time to travel to a library to search for needed information or materials. Additionally, users can monitor the status of their requested items to see when they will be available at their local branch.
For those who do not have Internet access or a Web browser, WebPAC can be accessed on-site at the library. Users are provided with access to bath the libraries' own catalog, a comprehensive listing of all resources available in a given library association, and information being made available at no cost on the WWW.
WebPAC is an additional software module that extends the capabilities of Auto-Graphics' popular Impact/ONLINE library consortium resource sharing system. With the new WebPAC, all patron access functions of Impact/ONLINE are made available through any standard WWW graphical browser including dictionary term search, key word search and patron initiation of ILL requests. Additionally, WebPAC provides a seamless upgrade path for current users of Impact/ONLINE and IMPACT CD-ROM PAC for DOS. "Impact/ONLINE WebPAC is part of the continuation of our charter to enhance the services of libraries," said Kliss. "WebPAC further demonstrates our dedication to advancing the state of library automation and information services by incorporating and adopting new technologies. We build tools and provide services to help libraries give users access to the information Super Highway." As with all Auto-Graphics' products, WebPAC builds in ease-of-use features designed to make patrons self-sufficient when accessing information. This includes user-friendly interfaces and context sensitive help messages. "Library patrons have told us that users need little or no instruction prior to using the full capability of our products," explained Kliss. In addition to this, WebPAC features a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment and is compatible with multiple platforms including Windows, Macintosh and UNIX. Built to use the Internet and the WWW, WebPAC takes full advantage of the "stateless" nature of high-level TCP/IP application client/server technology. This allows the most efficient use of the Internet because a user is only present on the network and tasking the server while they are conducting a search or retrieval, freeing up space on the network and access on the server for more users. As with all Auto-Graphics products, pricing is not transaction based, but established at a flat rate. Impact/ONLINE WebPAC will be available in the fourth quarter, 1995. Users can see a demonstration of Impact/ONLINE WebPAC and all other Auto-Graphics products by accessing their web site at http://www.auto-graphics.com Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics, Inc. (OTC:AUGR) has capitalized on new technology as it becomes available, providing information publishing and database resource sharing systems to the publishing and library communities. Made up of two divisions, the Library Services Division and the Publishing Services Division, Auto-Graphics offers a wide range of products and services that are both cost-effective and innovative. The Library Services Division has been committed to providing libraries and their patrons with user-friendly resource tools for 25 years. Always on the leading edge of library automation, Auto-Graphics began by developing printed book catalogs of library inventory. As technology advanced, Auto-Graphics developed new products ranging from fiche and film catalogs to, in recent years, CD-ROM catalogs. Today, Auto--Graphics is providing the latest in information access technology to libraries throughout the nation by offering access to online catalogs and databases. Over one million people per day use Auto-Graphics' software to access library information.Pricing and Availability
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