Library Technology Guides

Springshare: The next generation of the LibGuides A-Z List is coming this month. Springshare unveiled the revitalized A-Z Database List for LibGuides. The new A-Z module brings all LibGuides subscribers a more powerful and flexible A-Z resource management tool complete with a fully refreshed look-and-feel and exciting features to help patrons access their library's online resources. [Full Announcement].

Springshare Announces LibAnswers Chatbot. Springshare announced the new LibAnswers Chatbot functionality, launching next week with general availability to all worldwide customers by the end of February. LibAnswers Chatbot can serve as the first point of contact for chat patrons, guiding them through search options, assisting with finding common FAQs and general library information, and passing them off to live chat operators [Full Announcement].

Springshare announces new Museum and Passes eTickets. Springshare announced the new LibCal Museum Passes and eTickets functionality, which will be launching next month. This highly anticipated new feature provides a much-needed ticket management solution for libraries offering museum passes and other cultural institutions access. Launching in December, the new functionality will be a part of the LibCal Spaces and Equipment Booking module. It will work alongside existing functionality to provide easy access to nontraditional library collections. [Full Announcement].

Springshare announces SOC2 Type II compliance. Springshare announces the completion of a System and Organization Controls 2 Type II audit. This thorough, independent assessment of internal security controls serves as validation of the company's dedication and adherence to the highest standards for security, confidentiality, and privacy. [Full Announcement].

Springshare partners with PowerNotes to bring LibChat into the research process. Springshare and PowerNotes announced that the LibChat library chat is now seamlessly integrated with PowerNotes, a tool designed specifically to manage the entire academic research process from discovery through writing. With this integration, PowerNotes users can launch a live LibChat experience, powered by Springshare's LibAnswers platform, right from their PowerNotes browser plugin or the PowerNotes project outline screen. When students are working on a research project or writing a paper, assistance from a librarian is now just a click away. [Full Announcement].

Springshare's LTI Tool gains IMS Global Learning Consortium Certification. Springshare announced that the most recent version of the LibGuides CMS LTI tool is now fully certified by IMS Global, the non-profit collaborative dedicated to edtech interoperability, innovation, and learning impact. [Full Announcement].

Springshare Joins IMS Global and its LTI Alliance. Springshare announced that it has joined IMS Global, the worldwide non-profit collaborative dedicated to edtech interoperability, innovation, and learning impact. Springshare's newest iteration of the LTI module supports the LTI 1.3 protocol, which contains additional security features. Joining IMS Global and adhering to its specific standards will allow Springshare customers to move through the integration process quickly and smoothly. [Full Announcement].

Springshare announces LibConnect: email marketing and engagement product. Springshare unveil LibConnect, a unique platform marrying its existing LibCRM product's functionality with fully featured email marketing and engagement capabilities. [Full Announcement].

Springshare: LibCal Floor Mapping Is Here. Springshare announced the launch of LibCal's mapping module, a new tool that visually engages and informs library patrons. Its features include interactive floor maps for seat and space booking and event browsing, as well as directional event and appointment location sharing available to all platform users. [Full Announcement].

Springshare announces new LibCal Mapping Features. Springshare announced LibCal mapping module, a new tool that visually engages and informs library patrons as they navigate the reservation process. Launching in April, these optional features include interactive maps for booking in-person activities and directional maps for event and appointment locations. [Full Announcement].

Lean Library partners with Springshare to Bring LibGuides Into the Patron Workflow. Lean Library, a browser extension from SAGE Publishing that delivers library services directly into the patron's workflow, announced its partnership with Springshare, the maker of LibGuides. Together, Lean Library and Springshare will provide libraries the ability to deliver library support and instruction to patrons at their point of need, on any academic resource or website online. [Full Announcement].

Springshare celebrates Global Chat Cooperative's one year relaunch. Springshare recognizes the one year anniversary of the relaunch of the 24/7 Global Chat Cooperative service - a worldwide librarian community answering patron questions and chats when their local librarians are unavailable. [Full Announcement].

Springshare: Measuring User Satisfaction with LibAnswers. Springshare announced a new suite of LibAnswers features dedicated to gathering user feedback and harnessing metrics important to virtual reference, library assistance, and support services. Together they provide customers with the ability to reduce dissatisfied tickets, improve patron satisfaction, and accurately capture staff output. [Full Announcement].

Springshare celebrates Pickup Manager launch for integrated contactless pickups. Springshare launched Pickup Manager, a new LibApps tool designed to help libraries improve workflows around the pickup of library holds. Pickup Manager combines Springhare's scheduling and communication features with integrated library systems (ILS) holds functionality. The end result is an affordable and user-friendly pickup management platform. [Full Announcement].

Springshare: new pickup manager tool for integrated contactless pickups. Springshare announced Pickup Manager - a new LibApps tool designed to help libraries improve workflows around the pickup of library holds. The Pickup Manager combines Springhare's scheduling and communication features and fully integrates them with the integrated library systems holds functionality. The end result is an affordable and user-friendly pickup management platform. [Full Announcement].

Springshare celebrates 24/7 Chat Cooperative launch. Springshare announces the completion of the QuestionPoint 24/7 Reference Cooperative's transfer to the LibAnswers 24/7 Chat Cooperative. Since its launch on February 28, 2020, over 2,800 librarians have joined the global community of Springshare 24/7 librarians and contributing libraries to answer more than 30,000 chats while patrons' local libraries were busy or offline -- questions that would have been unanswered otherwise. [Full Announcement].

Springshare announces LibApps enhancements for safe reopening of libraries. Springshare announced new features of its LibApps platform, all designed to help safely reopen public spaces. Coming in mid-July, LibCal Seats will empower building managers to adhere to social distancing guidelines, support contact tracing efforts (where required), and monitor building capacity by designating individual seats and spaces for reservation. LibCal will also expand integrations with LibAnswers and ILS and offer 2-way communication via SMS/chat to enhance the curbside pickup of holds materials. [Full Announcement].

Springshare Responds to Remarkable Shift to Online Library Services. As libraries across the globe quickly pivoted to online services in response to the pandemic, Springshare today shares some early numbers illustrating the size of this sudden change in library services and how it has supported their efforts thus far. [Full Announcement].

ACRL collaborates with Springshare to provide LibGuides access to member units. ACRL announced that Springshare is providing complimentary access to LibGuides and LibAnswers to ACRL membership units. Both tools will be used to create unit-related resources to advance the work of ACRL, and will be available for use by division-level committees, sections, interest groups, discussion groups, and task forces. [Full Announcement].

Springshare Launches SMS Reference For LibAnswers. Springshare, a leader in developing Web 2.0 apps for libraries, announced an exciting new addition to its LibAnswers platform – an SMS Reference module that enables libraries to receive texted reference questions from their customers. LibAnswers is now the only reference system to aggregate questions and answers from the Web, from Twitter, and via SMS into one low-cost solution. [Full Announcement].