E-libraries, Library Products, and Digital Content Managers
E-libraries
EBSCO Online
Ebsco Online is a Web-based service providing access to a vast electronic journal
collection. Users can access articles in their entirety from more than 4,000
electronic journals, U.S. and international newspapers, reference books, and
other sources, searching the tables of contents, abstracts, or full text. Library
administrators can identify, acquire, access and manage electronic journals
efficiently from Ebsco's Web site. Contact: EBSCO, Birmingham, AL; (205) 991-6600;
www-us.ebsco.com.
e-global library
e-global Library offers a multi-tiered approach to guiding students through
the research process. Currently e-global offers 65 research guides across the
curriculum and the plan is to add up to 70 more per year. The guides are topic-specific
listings of the best and most authoritative sources online, whether that be
in books, articles, or Web sites. Many of these sources are available in full-text
versions through e-global library. A separate Internet Resources section of
the site gives students broader options for topic-specific online content. E-global
library also includes links to a wealth of resources available through the federal
government, including more than 300 sites representing more than 135,000 online,
full-text government documents and databases appropriate for student needs.
Also available through the e-global library site are several optional features,
including research databases that students can search by title, author, subject,
or keyword. The reference desk feature promises a response from a qualified
librarian within 24 hours, and most requests are answered in only a couple of
hours or less. Other e-global options include non-academic support such as special
sections on career development and financial aid. Institutions that partner
with e-global library can choose the options that best fit their needs. Contact:
e-global library, Denver, CO; (888) 235-6637; www.egloballibrary.com.
Harcourt e-Learning Online Library
Harcourt e-Learning Online Library features multiple databases containing entries
from journals, magazines, newspapers, public policy reports, and other sources;
thousands of articles covering the social sciences, arts, and humanities; annotated
Web links as well as links to such helpful sources as almanacs, currency converters,
dictionaries, and statistics; and more than 1,000 nonfiction electronic academic
books. The Harcourt program emphasizes depth of content rather than one-on-one
service. Its Ask a Librarian feature helps users with short, factual questions,
but isn't available for in-depth guidance. Contact: Harcourt e-Learning Online
Library, Monterey, CA; (888) 833-1902; http://www.thomsonelearning.com.
netLibrary
netLibrary targets an audience of libraries and academics, emphasizing the delivery
of online scholarly and reference content as well as textbooks through its MetaText
electronic textbook initiative.
netLibrary's collection includes more than 3,500
classic works of fiction, speeches, government reports, and other electronic
texts. The company has recently brought the American Heritage Dictionary online
as well, and is partnering with publishers to offer an ever-expanding collection
of titles. Contact: netLibrary, Boulder, CO; www.netlibrary.com. Questia Questia,
a subscription-based service for undergraduate students, catalogs thousands
of online books, articles, and encyclopedias. Users can search, bookmark, highlight,
and jot margin notes while reading one of its thousands of titles. Questia,
which contains an online notepad for composing papers, also offers a citation
feature that allows users to automatically create footnotes and bibliographies.
Designed to augment a college library collection, Questia's model may appeal
to distance learning students who are willing to pay for more convenient access
to scholarly material. Contact: Questia Media, Houston, TX; (888) 950-2580,
www.questia.com.
XanEdu ReSearch Engine
XanEdu ReSearch Engine, an online treasure trove of newspapers, periodicals,
magazines, journals, and dissertations (no books), is subscription-based. Along
with a broad range of academic subject areas, subscribers gain access to XanEdu's
online extras: Leisure Interests Channel, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Best
of the Web. Users navigate through over 12,000 topic trees to find information.
Contact: XanEdu (Bell and Howell), Ann Arbor, MI, (800) 521-0600, www.infolearning.com.
Library Products
e-Branch Library
The e-Branch Library from 3M Corporation is a public information kiosk that
brings library services to patrons who cannot get to the library. At the kiosk,
patrons can access the library's database/information online catalog, community
information, government information, employment opportunities, and information
from other sources. The kiosk can be situated in malls, stores, or community
centers and provides 24-hour service. The enclosure and equipment include a
600 MHz computer with Intel Pentium processor and SVGA 17" touch-screen monitor,
a 500-sheet laser copier, telephone, fax, and flatbed scanner. The kiosk accepts
coins and reads magnetic stripes. Contact: 3M Corporation, (800) 328-0067; http://www.3m.com/library.
Library Guardian
LibraryGuardian uses smart card technology to recognize each patron individually
and apply the appropriate filtering rules established by the patron or, in the
case of minors, a parent or guardian. LibraryGuardian allows each library to
tailor fit Internet filtering to its community and, within that community, to
specific patrons. Librarians are provided with the tools to make fine-tuning
adjustments as needed and to allow or deny any Internet site in a matter of
seconds. LibraryGuardian also manages the amount of time a patron can access
the Internet and "log them off" if library policy so dictates.
Patrons' smart
cards can also be used to manage the full range of patron services, including
those for which the library may charge-printing, copying, even purchasing made
through the Internet. LibraryGuardian is server-based and located on the Internet
so that the only necessary hardware is the smart card reader attached to each
Internet terminal. There is no software on the individual computers except what
is needed to recognize the card reader and to point the computer to the LibraryGuardian
servers. No updates or large control lists need be downloaded on a daily basis
and no expensive network server need be purchased. The Internet Server system
allows for rules registered at one library to be equally available to all branches.
LibraryGuardian requires both a physical card and a secret password for operation
for greater security. Contact: Vernon Library Supplies, Norcross, VA; (800)
878-0253; www.vernlib.com.
EndNote v.4
EndNote is a tool that can be used to search online databases, organize references,
and create one-step bibliographies. It includes more than 100 connection files
to access and search online databases and is integrated into Microsoft Word
and WordPerfect, allowing users to insert citations and create bibliographies
in one step. Theses, journal article submissions, and academic papers can be
created in more than 300 predefined styles. Availabile for both Macintosh and
Windows, with cross-platform database compatibility, EndNote also stores up
to 32,000 references, including abstracts and notes, which can be searched by
author, keyword, or other field. Contact: ISI ResearchSoft, Berkeley, CA; (800)
554-3049; www.endnote.com.
LSSI
LSSI provides library management solutions. Employing experienced library professionals,
LSSI staff becomes part of the library operations under the direction of the
library administrator. Services include acquisition of materials; cataloging
and processing; systems analysis, design, and installation; operation of automated
systems; reference, research, and information assistance, circulation, public
service, and collection maintenance; and complete facilities operations. Contact:
Library Systems & Services, LLC, Germantown, MD; (800) 638-8725; www.lssi.com.
Polaris Integrated Library System
This nonmodular, completely integrated Windows NT system is a library automation
solution that can grow as your library grows. The system offers complete access
to integrated cataloging, serials, acquisitions, circulation, patron/student
services, and system administration functionality. The system utilizes a Web-based
public access client and a Windows-based technical service client. Contact:
Gaylord Information Systems, Liverpool, NY; (800) 272-3414; www.gaylord.com.
Reference Manager v.9
Reference Manager combines the features of bibliographic formatting software
with information retrieval engines and databases.
Designed for Windows, Reference
Manager offers a spell checker, keyword synonyms to manage imported terms, and
wizards to help users create bibliographic styles easily. Reference Manager
lets the user perform key operations across multiple open databases. The Network
edition provides multi-user read and write access, making it appropriate for
workgroups. Users have direct access to nearly 700 different databases as well
the ability to search Internet-based catalogs simultaneously with the help of
a retrieval template. Query strategies can be saved for future recalls and use.
Records can be entered manually, imported from a text file, or copied from another
existing database. The "Cite While You Write" feature saves time and ensures
proper formatting of citations. Contact: ISI ResearchSoft, Berkeley, CA; (800)
554-3049; www.endnote.com.
Sirs Mandarin Reference Databases
Sirs Knowledge Source (SKS) is an online interface for four Sirs reference databases.
Updated daily, SKS provides valuable information on social issues, science,
history, government, the arts, and the humanities. Full-text articles and Internet
resources are selected from thousands of domestic and international publications
and organizations. Results provide access to source information, summaries,
and descriptors derived from Library of Congress subject headings. SKS offers
personalized search history, tagging, e-mailing, and save session functions.
Help, research strategy worksheets, citation guidelines, and an interactive
dictionary and thesaurus complete this reference package.
Sirs Researcher is a general reference database containing thousands of full-text
articles exploring social, scientific, health, historic, business, economic,
political, and global issues. Articles and graphics are selected from 1,500
domestic and international publications. Articles are indexed according to Library
of Congress subject headings and can be printed, saved or e-mailed. Additional
content databases include excerpts from The World Almanac and Book of Facts
2001, Maps of the World, and a Directory of Publications. Sirs Government Reporter
provides current and historic government documents; landmark and recent U.S.
Supreme Court decisions; information about federal departments, agencies, elected
leaders, and more. The main database delivers thousands of full-text documents
and graphics concerning a wide variety of topics: health, science, economics,
environment, politics, foreign affairs, business and industry. Additional content
includes: U.S. Supreme Court Decisions, Historic Documents, National Archives
Documents as well as Directories of Congressional Members, Federal Agencies,
U.S. Justices and U.S. Presidents.
SIRS Renaissance "Current Perspectives on the Arts & Humanities" is a reference
database providing current, dynamic information on Architecture & Design, Culture,
Literature, Multimedia, Music, Performing Arts, Philosophy and Religion, and
Visual Arts. Full-text articles are selected from over 700 domestic and international
publications. Many articles are accompanied by full-color graphics, including
art reproductions, photographs, and illustrations. Additional content databases
include Award Recipients, Recommended References, Lifetime Readings, Spotlight
of the Month and Glossary of the Arts.
SIRS NetSelect is an online database of Internet resources providing access
to quality Web sites on almost any subject. SIRS editors evaluate sites originating
from around the globe for credibility and relevance to researchers' needs. SIRS
NetSelect is continually updated to include new sites and dynamically changing
data. Summaries provide a concise overview of site content and authority. Contact:
Sirs Mandarin, Boca Raton, FL; (800) 232-7477; www.sirs.com.
Sirs Mandarin Library Automation Tools
The Mandarin M3 OPAC library automation tool is designed to be simple to learn
and easy to use. Patrons can choose their own level from standard and enhanced
graphical user interfaces. M3 also supports USMARC field 856 (electronic location
and access), enabling users to link to cataloged Web sites, directly from the
OPAC. M3 automatically indexes every USMARC field, ensuring that every field
in the entire collection is searchable. In addition, libraries can create their
own databases for faculty, students, and patrons, including curriculum-related
or community information. Features include Shelf Browse, Search History, and
Bookbag. The Shelf Browse feature allows patrons to review materials shelved
on either side of a call number, just as if they were standing in front of a
bookshelf and browsing. A comprehensive Search History allows users to review
previous searches in a single keystroke. The M3 Bookbag feature allows users
to collect individual bibliographic records from a series of searches and leave
the library with a complete bibliography. The Bulletin Board lets library staff
create an electronic meeting place where library, community news and scanned
images can be recorded. Contact: Sirs Mandarin, Boca Raton, FL; (800) 232-7477;
www.sirs.com.
YouSeeMore
YouSeeMore is an online portal that functions as one location from which library
patrons can find the information they need. It is customizable and includes
the public access catalog, news and weather, hot titles and bestsellers lists,
ready reference, and the library's calendar of events. Additional enhancements
can include: expanded catalog searching; book, music, and video recommendations;
patron personalization, library materials reviews, and display of book jackets
and tables of contents. Contact: The Library Corporation, ; (800) 325.7759;
http://www.tlcdelivers.com.
Spectrum
Winnebago's library technology and information access product combines new features
with integrated Internet resources. Spectrum provides services to an unlimited
number of patrons, greater security, a patron photo feature, an edit message
feature, and custom indexes. The product integrates with Winnebago's Multimedia
Collection and Web Manager. Contact: Sagebrush Corp., Burnsville, MN; (800)
533-5430; www.winnebago.com.
Voyager and ENCompass
Voyager is an integrated information management system that is fully compliant
with library standards.
The system uses UNIX and NT server platforms and Intel-based
client platforms. Voyager includes client/server software for Web-based public
access, cataloging and authority control, acquisitions and serials control,
circulation and course reserve, reporting, and system administration. ENCompass
is designed to work in tandem with Voyager, and integrates both print and digital
resources. Contact: Endeavor Information Systems, Inc., Des Plaines, IL; (800)
762-6300; www.endinfosys.com.
Digital Content Managers
Artesia Teams 4.1
Artesia's Teams is used on college campuses for digital library projects as
well as for distance learning. Artesia partners with companies that do the actual
digitization of a school's content, and its Teams product assembles rich media
raw materials in a digital repository and offers tools to load, store, index,
search, aggregate, and distribute the content. Artesia provides consulting services
for institutions looking for a content management solution-helping to define
and refine the problems to be solved as well as the appropriate solutions. The
IT staff is provided with a toolkit, complete documentation, and training to
implement the solution as well as to enable continued customization-referred
to as "future-proofing" the enterprise. Contact: Artesia, Rockville, MD, 301.548.4000;
www.artesia.com.
CyLex I-dox
i-DOXSM from CyLexSM is a complete document /content management service delivered
via the Internet. Powered by Documentum, the i-DOX service provides indexing
features, state-of-the-art library services, versioning, and full text search
capabilities. The Documentum 4i engine is designed to handle many kinds of data,
including financial data, engineering drawings, word processing documents, and
database files. CyLex security features include 128-bit SSL encryption to ensure
safe delivery of content over the Internet. Iimportant documents and electronic
files are stored in a secure data vault at EMC or NTT/Verio and accessible to
authorized users 24 x 7 from anywhere in the world. Contact CyLex, Boca Raton,
FL; (800) TO-CYLEX;
IBM Content Manager
Content Manager is an umbrella solution including, among other products, the
DB2 Digital Library for digitized library materials, CommonStore for Lotus Domino
to offload documents and e-mail to an external archive system, and VideoCharger
to deliver distance learning through multimedia data streams to multiple users.
Content Manager interfaces with Lotus Learning Space, WebCT, and Blackboard
course management tools, among others, and a variety of solution components
work across the campus environment in human resources, admissions and registration,
billing, and records.
Content Manager is a digital container for content, and partner companies sell
indexing tools. Rather than try to fit into a one-size-fits-all data model,
Content Manager users aim to create a user-defined data model that suits the
institution and its particular assets.
Content Manager includes a variety of
finding aids for searching digital content. Parametric search allows users to
search via defining tags or labels: impressionist paintings. A full text search
allows users to search via a text description: painting of a pond with water
lilies. An image search allows users to identify color, position, or composition.
In the classroom, a faculty member can present a digital slideshow, expanding
the materials on the fly as class discussion brings up new questions. In seconds,
an instructor can search for and pull up an image or document to illustrate
a concept not in the original lecture materials. Contact: IBM, www.ibm.com.
LSC QFS (Quick File System) br>
QFS is a Solaris-based data management/file system software program that provides
high data access speeds and fast file recovery while incorporating enhanced
storage management capabilities. QFS's features include enhanced volume management,
demonstrated scalability and increased input/output (I/O) bandwith. In addition,
QFS overlays the SAN model for allowing multiple servers, and their respective
users, to access and share data in a common pool of disk storage. The integrated
volume management features of QFS accelerate system performance by enabling
files to be spread across multiple disks. This disk striping capability increases
performance by providing multiple input/output access points. QFS also stores
metadata (information about files, such as location and ownership) on a separate
disk from the related text, graphics or other file data. This metadata separation
reduces the drive's required physical movements, which in turn lowers the overall
time required to store or retrieve file data. QFS also processes direct I/O
and allows variable disk allocation units (DAUs) enabling near raw disk performance
while retaining the manageability of a file system. Contact LSC, Eagan, Minnesota;
(800) 831-9482; http://www.lsci.com.
Madge.web
Madge.web provides global rich content management and distribution services
through a portfolio of integrated network infrastructure and application offerings.
Using its worldwide, facilities-based platform (the Overnet) to bypass the public
Internet, Madge.web provides these services to deploy rich content for international
business customers. Madge.web provides content creation support services such
as video, audio, images and interactive media, encoding services, managed private
networks, secure data exchange; and digital asset management services, managing
a customer's library of rich digital content products through data storage and
archiving, content cataloging and searching, user-access applications, and digital
rights tracking and protection. Contact: Madge.net, New York, NY; (212) 709-1000;
www.madge.com.
Telecenter IP
Telecenter IP and Telecenter IP Digital Video Server from Rauland-Borg allow
both analog and digital media to be integrated seamlessly on the same system.
Telecenter IP is a browser-based media management, retrieval, and information
delivery system for cataloging, storing, locating, and controlling multimedia
resources. Adding the Telecenter IP Digital Video Server allows users to instantly
search, schedule, and control movies, video clips, pre-recorded programming
and more, side-by-side with presentations, DVDs and VHS tapes. Digital video
files are stored in MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 formats. Contact: Rauland-Borg Corporation,
Skokie, IL; (847) 679-0900; www.rauland.com.
Xerox
DocuShare is a Web-based knowledge management tool that supports collaboration
by putting multimedia items on a central server for multi-user access. This
solution benefits not only collaborative scholarly research, but also the sharing
of administrative data such as registration or financial aid information.
The Digital Curriculum Online Reserves is a one-stop-shop approach using DocuShare
to make reserve materials more available, combining digitization, indexing,
and document conversion -to PDF form, for instance. Materials can be scanned,
indexed, and posted to a site in a matter of minutes, where users can download
and print copies as necessary. Students, for instance, can download reserve
course materials rather than having to go to the library, sign them out, and
read them at a particular location.
Education Document Network is a Web-based document management tool designed
to increase ease of input, management, and output of educational materials.
Faculty users can create collections of supplementary educational materials
to put in a digital repository for distributed access to students. On the administrative
side, the human resources department can put a digital employee or faculty handbook
on a site for individual download-making changes as they occur rather than reprinting
the entire document each time a change occurs. Contact: Xerox Corp., www.xerox.com.