Serials Solutions Launches AquaBrowser SaaS Version
Seattle, WA – March 24, 2010 Serials Solutions, a business unit of ProQuest, has updated, enhanced and released a new SaaS version (Software as a Service) of AquaBrowser – the world’s best-selling discovery layer for libraries. The new AquaBrowser continues to provide a fresh, modern interface for library collections, enabling library customers to use and find library resources independently. However, as a hosted service, it is now accessible to more libraries, with set-up, implementation, and consistent updates that have little impact on library resources.
“As the demands on libraries continue to grow, it’s even more important that libraries provide ways to meet the increasingly diverse needs of their communities. The AquaBrowser’s SaaS model is designed to make that simpler for libraries of all types, even those with limited resources,” said Rob Mercer, Serials Solutions General Manager. “We’ve maintained the strong suits of previous AquaBrowser products – the great interface, the intuitive search paths – and designed a solution that provides a rich development framework, while eliminating the implementation, maintenance, and hosting barriers found at many libraries.”
The SaaS model allows AquaBrowser customers to keep pace with rapid technological advancement with no intervention from their staff. Upgrades will be rolled out consistently and automatically via Serials Solutions, a company renowned for its sophisticated, hosted library technology solutions. Set up and implementation are also streamlined through the SaaS model, making upgraded service to the community a turn-key operation. Further, AquaBrowser easily integrates with the library’s existing ILS system so that existing circulation information can be leveraged.
AquaBrowser’s interface is simple and intuitive, enabling customers who walk in off the street (or tap in from home) to search the library’s catalog and local collections immediately and independently. Libraries that want to expand the interface to include their subscribed electronic content have the option of integrating AquaBrowser with a federated search product.
However, it is AquaBrowser’s features, which are designed to make all searchers successful, that have made it a hit with users. For example, Word Clouds suggest paths and help library customers find information even when they aren’t sure of the right words to query. Similarly, faceted searching allows users to start with a broad term and then hone to precisely the information they want. AquaBrowser also includes Web 2.0 features in “MyDiscoveries,” a community-building function that enables users to interact with content and each other, making the library a central portal for information exchange.
Used in more libraries than any other discovery layer or next generation catalog, AquaBrowser has built a reputation for encouraging library customers of all types to explore more of their library’s resources. Accessible via mobile devices, AquaBrowser is designed to increase customer independence and success, freeing staff to engage with customers in new ways, taking customer service to new level. AquaBrowser is hosted by Serials Solutions, a business unit of ProQuest.
About Serials Solutions
Founded by a librarian for librarians in 2000, Serials Solutions is the global leader in E-Resource Access and Management Services (ERAMS) that serves more than 2,000 libraries of all sizes and types. Serials Solutions® KnowledgeWorks, the authoritative e-resource knowledgebase, is the foundation for Serials Solutions® 360, the only complete and integrated e-resource access and management solution. Serials Solutions recently introduced the Summon™ web-scale discovery service, a revolutionary tool that provides instant access to the full breadth of the library’s collection through a single search.
Serials Solutions also is the exclusive source for Ulrichsweb.com™ and Ulrich’s Serials Analysis System™ worldwide, and represents the AquaBrowser® Discovery Layer in the academic market in North America and Australia. The WebFeat® federated search service is also part of the Serials Solutions family of access and discovery services.
Serials Solutions provides fast implementation, easy customization, and outstanding value to libraries throughout the world.
Serials Solutions is a business unit of ProQuest LLC.
About ProQuest
ProQuest creates specialized information resources and technologies that propel successful research, discovery, and lifelong learning. A global leader in serving libraries of all types, ProQuest offers the expertise of such respected brands as CSA™, UMI®, Chadwyck-Healey™, SIRS®, and eLibrary®. With Serials Solutions®, Ulrich’s™, RefWorks®, COS™, Dialog® and now Bowker® part of the ProQuest brand family, the company supports the breadth of the information community with innovative discovery solutions that power the business of books and the best in research experience.
More than a content provider or aggregator, ProQuest is an information partner, creating indispensable research solutions that connect people and information. Through innovative, user-centered discovery technology, ProQuest offers billions of pages of global content that includes historical newspapers, dissertations, and uniquely relevant resources for researchers of any age and sophistication—including content not likely to be digitized by others. Inspired by its customers and their end users, ProQuest is working toward a future that blends information accessibility with community to further enhance learning and encourage lifelong enrichment.
For more information, visit http://www.proquest.com or the ProQuest parent company website, http://www.cambridgeinformationgroup.com.