Huntsville, AL (March 5, 1995) - Imagine sitting at your desktop computer having over 40 million books and resource documents just a click away. That's exactly what Huntsville, Alabama's, SIRSI Corporation has delivered with its new line of library access software: WebCat.

When used in conjunction with a library's existing Z39.50 compliant server and popular Web browser software like Mosaic(TM) and NETSCAPE(TM), Webcat turns a library's resources into a full-fledged Web catalor.

WebCat Server Software

WebCat extends the functionality of libraries already using a Z39.50 compliant server or SIRSI's UNICORN/STILAS(TM) library automation system software. WebCat will enable libraries and information centers throughout the world to offer their complete catalogs and other services quickly and painlessly over the World Wide Web. "This new software opens the resources of participating libraries to a large number of new patrons via the Internet using an interface they are already familiar with," notes Jim Young, SIRSI CEO. "WebCat makes it possible for libraries to also serve an increasingly diverse patron base. The age of the virtual library has indeed arrived."

Before WebCat server software existed, it was not possible to provide web access to a library's complete variety of services. WebCat's hypertext format allows users to jump directly to the services they require, such as the catalog, periodicals, information desk, reserve desk, community services, and user status information. WebCat offers a fully interactive session and all the features of the SIRSI OPAC including Forwards/Backwards in a hit list, Goback, New Search, Mark, Print, e-Mail search results, Hypertext searching within the catalog, and Cross References.

The marriage of SIRSI's WebCat server software with installed and readily available Web clients means that libraries can dramatically increase in their patron audience without having to distribute, monitor, or maintain special client software.

A library Home Page and tool box also comes with the WebCat server which provides a graphical library advertising or billboard capability that can be user modified to meet unique library needs. The Home Page feature supports text, graphics, and hyperlinks to library services and other home pages. Libraries can now create user interfaces that are both fun and functional.

WebCat Test Drive Available

A WebCat test is available on SIRSI's World Wide Web Home Page on the Internet at: www.sirsi.com.

WebCat is available directly from SIRSI or authorized OEMs. For more information contact Greg Hathorn, telephone: (205) 922-9825, Fax: (205) 922-9818, Internet: greg@admin.sirsi.com