New Providence, N.J. – April, 2003 – R.R. Bowker, one of the world's leading publishers of bibliographic information, today announced that its Books In Print and Global Books In Print databases are now Z39.50 compliant, enabling library professionals and their patrons to facilitate cross-database searches from within their digital collection management systems and other library automation systems.
Specific vendors that have completed testing and are now offering integration with the Books In Print and Global Books In Print databases include Ex Libris' MetaLib and ALEPH systems, Gaylord Information Systems' Polaris, and Endeavor Information Systems' Voyager and ENCompass systems. Bowker previously announced integration of the Books In Print database with Auto-Graphics, Inc.'s AGent library search tool.
Provided the library has a subscription to the online version of Books In Print or Global Books In Print, library professionals and patrons will now be able to use the Z39.50 protocol to search the Bowker databases directly from any digital collection management system or library automation system that provides this capability.
“Library professionals and patrons who use any of these systems with their Books In Print subscriptions will now have access to more than 4.7 million titles, and Global Books In Print subscribers will have access to more than 8 million English-language titles from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa,” said Michael Cairns, president of New Providence, N.J.-based R.R. Bowker. “Integrating our databases into digital collection management systems and other library automation systems is an important component of our strategy to make it easier to access Books In Print and to help library professionals enhance the efficiency of their workflow.”
According to Cairns, Bowker will be announcing additional partnerships in the coming months.
About MetaLib and ALEPH
MetaLib is Ex Libris' library portal and enables users to enjoy easy access to libraries' e-collections, obtain appropriate services exactly when needed, and personalize their environment for more effective and productive research. Incorporated into MetaLib is the award-winning SFX technology from Ex Libris, which provides users with context-sensitive links to services such as the desktop delivery of full-text articles, details of print holdings, and the generation of interlibrary loan or document-delivery requests. For more information, please go to www.exlibris-usa.com.
About Polaris
The Polaris Integrated Library System from Gaylord Information Systems (GIS) facilitates all aspects of library operations by providing innovative workflow solutions packaged in a familiar WindowsŇ interface. The Polaris staff client offers a complete solution for acquisitions, collection management, cataloging, circulation, interlibrary loan and serials control. The Polaris PowerPACä extends this innovation to the end-user by providing a fully customizable library portal to the library's catalog and other library resources. For more information, please go to www.gis.gaylord.com.
About Voyager and ENCompass
Fully integrated around the world, Voyager is the most robust integrated library management system to provide full-featured library functionality. ENCompass is a complete digital solution for managing, searching and linking library collections, including the local and remote OPACs, previously unseen collections, digital collections and electronic databases. For more information, please go to www.endinfosys.com.
Founded in 1872, R.R. Bowker, a Cambridge Information Group company, is North America's leading provider of bibliographic information, and is also the official agency for assigning ISBNs in the United States. The company's flagship product, Books In Printâ, is available on the Internet at www.booksinprint.com, on CD-ROM and in hardbound print format. For more information, please visit www.bowker.com or call 1-888-BOWKER2 (1-888-269-5372).