ENCompass 2.0

ENCompass 2.0 features multi-protocol (Z39.50, XML, and http) searching across resources, OpenURL-syntax support, fully customizable XSLT for the user interface, and increased navigation. ENCompass is in place at 25 libraries around the world and includes ENCompass for Resource Access and ENCompass for Digital Collections, specific system offerings that address concentrated e-content or digital content needs, as well as LinkFinderPlus, the comprehensive linking system for all of the library's resources, regardless of software or information vendor.

According to the announcement, ENCompass goes beyond simple Z39.50 searching to include access via XML gateways and http, significantly increasing the number of resources that can be accessed in a single search. ENCompass' "federated searching" allows libraries to incorporate important resources that are not Z39.50-enabled, such as publisher sites, e-book sites, and popular noncommercial databases. This multi-protocol, federated searching gives libraries more value from all of their databases by keeping researchers in a single interface. By "virtually aggregating" content licensed from many vendors, all content is better utilized.

Voyager 2001.1

Version 2001.1 of the Voyager system is now in general release for Solaris-based customers. According to the announcement, it includes patron-empowerment features, bindery function, bibliographic record linking, and superior functionality.

Voyager 2001.1's MyOPAC functionalities offer options for individual patrons to define and save their own profiles, such as searching a particular database or catalog. Also included are selective dissemination of information (SDI) opportunities for automatically receiving update results from saved searches, plus a bookbag feature that saves records from multiple searches for future reference. The enhanced Voyager OPAC also includes PIN prompting, customized display of MARC records data, and even more power to Endeavor's trademark simultaneous searching of disparate databases. The enhanced simultaneous search better incorporates target database search capabilities, resulting in more consistent results.

The new Voyager release introduces bindery capabilities designed from the ground up with customer input and attention to changing processes in bindery departments. Voyager 2001.1's complete bindery tools include functionality for bind-on dates, pull slips, simple status changes, and collapse functions.

Voyager's new "pick and scan" interface makes en masse changes to item and holdings records a simple process for both cataloging and circulation departments. Pick and scan allows authorized operators to make global changes to permanent and temporary location and item types, or to delete records for withdrawn items as simply as a bar-code scan.

Serials Solutions

Endeavor's relationship with Serials Solutions will allow mutual clients to easily transfer and integrate data between the two companies' respective content management systems.

Libraries that utilize the OPAC of Endeavor's Voyager system and Serials Solutions' electronic serials reports may now easily include data from their Voyager system into their Serials Solutions reports. This will provide them with customized and unbiased reports that display all the full-text serials available at their institution, regardless of format, including content from database aggregators, publishers, and subscription agents.

Prior to this arrangement, libraries could include print holdings in their Serials Solutions reports, but the work of extracting the data could be time-consuming, and linking to specific holdings in a Voyager OPAC was not yet available. According to the announcement, Endeavor's recently released technology makes this reporting and linking easy for librarians.

Alberta Law Society Libraries

Endeavor announced that the Alberta Law Society Libraries in Edmonton, Alberta, will adopt the Voyager system. Voyager will be installed in 56 law libraries throughout Alberta that serve the bar, judiciary, and general public.

Mona Pearce, senior manager for the Alberta Law Society Libraries, explained that one of the objectives of the libraries' recently completed strategic plan is to develop the virtual library as a concept of information that's housed digitally and is deliverable without regard to its location or the time of day. In this regard, the libraries were looking for a system with new technology, attention to security for sensitive data, patron-friendly features, and manageability for staff members.

Source: Endeavor Information Systems, Des Plaines, IL, 800/762-6300; http://www.endinfosys.com.