Woodridge,IL -- , November 29, 1999, Follett Educational Services, the leading provider of textbook management services to K-12 schools, today announced that it is introducing a Windows version of TextLink - its computerized textbook management system. Through the use of TextLink, schools can dramatically reduce the cost of replacing lost and stolen textbooks. Follett Educational Services will also offer a turnkey service that allows schools and districts to quickly and easily implement the TextLink textbook management system.

• By combining barcode scanner technology with a powerful, easy-to-use software system, TextLink provides total inventory control. TextLink allows schools or districts to assign and track textbooks by student, classroom and individual sites, reducing textbook assignment time by 80 percent and significantly reducing inventory losses or shrinkage.
• TextLink calculates fines and due dates, streamlines record keeping, tracks the condition of textbooks and facilitates collection management and replacement. The newly updated software also speeds up the textbook check-out and check-in process by eliminating the need to input patron and textbook data.
• TextLink interfaces with Circulation Plus, the leading library automation software, which allows schools to share a single database for managing textbooks and library books. In addition, TextLink can be run in either a single-user or multiple-user environment.
• To facilitate the process of implementing an electronic textbook management system, Follett Educational Services offers schools and districts database creation, barcoding of textbooks, staff training, software and hardware installation. These services can be purchased individually or as a package. Follett Educational Services, is a 125-year old, Chicago area-based division of Follett Corporation, A privately held company headquartered in River Grove, Illinois. As the world's leading wholesaler of used textbooks to elementary and secondary schools, Follett Educational Services maintains more than 32,000 customers, including state boards of education, school districts and nearly 2,000 individual schools.