Huntsville, Alabama — August 18, 2003 — Sirsi Corporation, the leader in new-name sales of technology for libraries around the world*, announced today that Colonial Williamsburg's John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library has joined with the College of William and Mary libraries, to form the Williamsburg Research Libraries Partnership using Sirsi's advanced technologies for research and academic libraries. The partnership will allow Colonial Williamsburg researchers, College of William and Mary faculty and students, and users throughout the world to quickly and easily access the unique collections of both organizations. "The real beneficiaries of this partnership are our patrons," said James Horn, director of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library and deputy research division administrator. "The creation of a joint information system will benefit our constituents, community, and the public. It is a relatively small investment with very large potential returns."
The Partnership's suite of Sirsi products includes the Unicorn Library Management System, the WorkFlows staff client, and a host of services. "The partnership will enable us to share our resources using the Sirsi automated library systems and technologies," said Connie Kearns McCarthy, dean of university libraries for William and Mary. "Such a cooperative project will benefit both organizations and allow researches, scholars, and students to have easier and more seamless access to resources and materials at both institutions. It is also a wonderful reflection of the potential to create cooperative efforts between public and private institutions."
"This partnership also includes two other valuable Virginia resources, Richard Bland College Library in Petersburg, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester," said Andrew Morrice, Sirsi's vice president of sales & marketing and international operations. "We admire this public-private partnership and the spirit of collaboration it embodies, using state-of-the-art technology to bring people and resources together."
About Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Established in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for-profit educational institution that operates the restored 18th-century capital of Virginia. Known worldwide as the nation's largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg recently was recognized as the "Best Historic Site" by readers of Southern Living magazine for the seventh straight year. Colonial Williamsburg is located 150 miles south of Washington, D.C. For more information, call toll-free 800-HISTORY or visit www.ColonialWilliamsburg.org.
About College of William and Mary
The College of William and Mary, a public university in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Established in 1693 by British royal charter, William and Mary is proud of its role as the alma mater of generations of American patriots, leaders, and public servants. Now, in its fourth century, it continues this tradition of excellence by combining the best features of an undergraduate college with the opportunities offered by a modern research university. For more information, visit www.wm.edu.
About Sirsi
Sirsi (www.sirsi.com) recognizes that today's librarians are on a mission to break down walls - barriers that limit the knowledge and resources accessible to library users. A partner with leading libraries around the globe since 1979, Sirsi provides software and services that assist libraries in breaking down walls, thereby promoting learning, empowerment, and opportunity for diverse user communities. Sirsi's portfolio of products and services includes the iBistro and iLink e-Library solutions, the Unicorn Library Management System, the Hyperion Digital Media Archive, Sirsi Rooms Context Management Solutions, and a full slate of services.