iSelect and iRequest – advances in interlibrary loan management software from epixtech

iSelect and iRequest – advances in interlibrary loan management software from epixtech

Keywords: Software, Interlibrary lending

iSelect is a resource sharing "request engine" that replaces the user and staff request placement portions of RSS (Resource Sharing System) and URSA(Universal Resource Sharing Application) for current epixtech ILL customers. It is linked to iPAC for searching and RPA for user authentication. One of the biggest benefits for users is that they can use the same interface for requesting all types of materials from library and non-library sources. They can also see a number of criteria such as cost, availability and delivery times before selecting a particular item.

iSelect is an upgrade for current RSS and URSA customers and should be released by the end of the summer 2001. The basic functionality will be provided at no cost and customers' investments in hardware and software will be preserved. Additional functionality, i.e. commercial delivery with tracking,document delivery, etc., will be optional chargeable add-ons.

iSelect uses Enterprise Java Beans, JDBC, RMI and XML/XSL technologies and will be mounted on a centralised server and accessed through the Internet via Web browsers.

iSelect can be used in combination with either RSS or URSA as a complete resource sharing and interlibrary loan system. iSelect can also be subscribed to as a resource sharing system by libraries who want to borrow and lend directly with other libraries in their community or region.

Phase two of the ILL product will be iRequest, which will replace and enhance the request management side of RSS and URSA and is expected to be available by the end of 2001.

More information about epixtech products can be found at http://www.epixtech.com

Source: Trish Bickley, epixtech