ByWater Solutions, America’s forefront provider of Open Source library technology support, announced today that they have partnered with FE Technologies to provide support and integration with RFID to enhance the library user experience with Koha ILS.

This integration provides services from FE Technologies that were designed to enhance, automate and modernize library circulation functions, providing self-service to users, efficient staff management, a high level of security to protect your valuable collection, and a fast inventory solution.

Nathan Curulla, CRO at ByWater Solutions recently commented on the partnership, "We are thrilled to partner with another vendor that supports open source software."

ByWater Solutions and FE Technologies first met back in 2019 at the American Library Association Annual Conference when their booths were adjacent to one another and immediately connected over their passion for customer support.

Scotty Gage, Vice President of Sales in the United States, FE Technologies, recently commented on the partnership., "What we love about working with ByWater Solutions and Koha is that shared desire to serve libraries well and to offer solutions that impact the way the library can reach their communities."

About FE Technologies
FE Technologies has grown from 2007 into the most successful supplier of library RFID products in Australasia. Their research and development facility has been at the heart of their growth in RFID technology and they have developed an innovative range of library RFID products. FE Technologies opened a US Office in 2019, in Southlake, TX and their US Team has seen great success. From the Texas office, they support over 150 and counting installations in the US alone and Thousands Worldwide. FE Technologies is passionate about helping libraries do more of the amazing things they do by bringing efficiencies to staff and with our Envoy Self Loan Software, Patron App and Librarian Rover, a second to none Patron Experience to those they serve.

Read more about FE Technologies at https://www.fetechgroup.com/about-us/.

About ByWater Solutions
ByWater Solutions is a full-service, high-quality Open Source support and implementation company dedicated to providing libraries with a lower cost, more advanced level of support for their systems than a traditional proprietary solution can offer. ByWater Solutions has a proven track record in the first-rate implementation and support services with library systems of all sizes for the Koha ILS, Aspen Discovery, Folio LSP, Coral ERM, and Libki PC Management.

Our highly ranked, comprehensive support is what sets our company apart from any other vendor in the industry. Partnering with ByWater Solutions not only lowers the cost of implementation and maintenance of OSS but more importantly empowers libraries by giving them the flexibility and freedom they deserve. For more information please visit https://bywatersolutions.com.

About Koha
Koha is the first open-source Integrated Library System (ILS). In use worldwide, its development is steered by a growing community of libraries collaborating to achieve their technology goals. Koha’s impressive feature set continues to evolve and expand to meet the needs of its user base. It includes modules for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, reserves, patron management, branch relationships, and more.

Koha’s OPAC, circulation, management, and self-checkout interfaces are all based on standards-compliant World Wide Web technologies, HTML5, CSS, and Javascript, making Koha a truly platform-independent solution. Koha is distributed under the open-source General Public License (GPL). For more information about Koha, please visit http://koha-community.org/.

For More Information
Jessica Zairo
Director of Library Sales & Outreach
ByWater Solutions
bywatersolutions.com
Phone:(888)900-8944

EBSCO Information Services Announces Development of New Books Ordering Platform
~ EBSCO is Committed to Enhancing the Book Experience and Delivering Value for Librarians and End Users ~
IPSWICH, Mass. — October 12, 2021 — As the books marketplace continues to evolve, EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is committed to evolving with it, by prioritizing the changing needs of libraries and their patrons. This evolution relies on EBSCO’s investment in the books ecosystem and the ability to reimagine innovative, open and interoperable library workflows. Starting from discovery and acquisition to research and the end-user experience, these investments build upon the long-time strength of EBSCO's existing book services.

EBSCO is developing a new books ordering platform that will offer a modern, technology-driven approach to efficiently support the discovery, selection, acquisition, collection development and workflow integration needs of librarians. EBSCO Vice President of Product Management for Books John Brennan says this new platform will build upon the strengths of EBSCO's existing book services — GOBI® and EBSCOhost® Collection Manager (ECM). “The new platform will carry forward what libraries value most — GOBI’s highly valued monograph metadata and robust collection development services and ECM’s ease of use — and create a brand-new platform to most effectively support evolving customer needs.”

The new platform will provide comprehensive collection development and acquisition tools for e-books, print books and related materials. It will include content from major academic publishers, popular e-book licensing models, sleek usability, improvements to support worldwide customers and value-added technical services. A diverse group of customers and publishers will aid in the concepting and development of the new platform. These include Austin Community College, The Claremont Colleges, Gettysburg College, Michigan State University, Orbis Cascade Alliance, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Oslo, University of Chicago, University of Liverpool, University of St. Andrews, De Gruyter, JSTOR, Taylor & Francis, Oxford University Press, Penguin Random House and Wiley.

University of St. Andrews Acquisitions and E-Resources Manager Aileen Cook explains the impact that the new books ordering platform will have on libraries. “Like all university libraries, St Andrews needs an efficient, intuitive, robust and up-to-date book-ordering platform. We’re delighted to be working with EBSCO, giving expert feedback to inform their development of a new platform that will work for our staff and, most importantly, improve our service to our users. As EBSCO customers of many years’ standing, we’re thrilled that they’re liaising with institutions to make sure we get something that works for us.”

The Claremont Colleges Director of Collections, Metadata, and Resource Sharing Maria Savova explains the importance of partnerships for the planning and development of EBSCO’s new books ordering platform. “I’m very excited to contribute my thoughts and feedback to the development of a user-friendly book ordering platform that will better meet the needs of libraries.”

Oxford University Press Director, Global Institutional Resellers and Channel Strategy Lisa Nachtigall explains the importance of providing innovative services to meet the ever-changing needs of the modern library. “With the accelerated shift in print-to-digital purchasing, and with more content being digitized and available through new business models, Oxford University Press welcomes the opportunity to ensure our online products are supported by a collection management service that anticipates and meets customer needs.”

EBSCO’s new ordering platform will seamlessly integrate with EBSCO products and services, open source resources including FOLIO and other key third-party workflow solutions and integrated library systems, for a more compelling user experience.

The new books ordering platform will be built upon EBSCO’s commitment to offer choice, open infrastructure and interoperability to customers worldwide. This dedication to choice is the foundation of EBSCO’s product development strategy, which centers around four key areas: content and collection development; interoperability and support for open systems; discovery and user experience; and customization, consultation and workflow support.

Recent developments that support these four areas include:

EBSCOhost® and EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS) user interface enhancements for book discovery, viewing, and accessing EBSCO eBooks™ in the mobile app
GOBI’s ILS integrations including FOLIO and Alma
EBSCO eBooks Open Access Collection
Increased number of e-book platforms and expanded access models in GOBI
In parallel with the planning and creation of a new books ordering platform, development of GOBI and EBSCOhostCollection Manager will continue. Upcoming enhancements include reading list software integration, enhanced e-book management controls, further support of open access e-books and expanded e-book platform and model offerings in GOBI. These recent and upcoming enhancements further reinforce EBSCO's commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of the modern library.

About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the preeminent provider of online research content and search technologies serving academic, school and public libraries; healthcare and medical institutions; corporations; and government agencies around the world. From research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development, EBSCO provides institutions with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations. EBSCO Information Services is a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc., a family-owned company since 1944. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com.

###

For more information, please contact:
Erica Gilson
Senior Communications Specialist
egilson@ebsco.com
978-414-0385

Atlanta, Ga., October 6, 2021 : Equinox Open Library Initiative, a trusted leader in open source technology development and support for libraries, is pleased to welcome Rolla Public Library to the Missouri Evergreen Consortium with their deployment of Evergreen ILS, an award winning library solution used by more than 1,800 libraries worldwide.

Rolla Public Library’s migration encompassed a collection of 66,009 items and supported 8,590 library users in their community. The migration included project management and configuration from Equinox Open Library Initiative in addition to data conversion of bibliographic, item and patron records plus deduplication. Remote training was completed by Equinox’s expert staff of degreed librarians. Rolla Public Library will be hosted on Sequoia which supports library automation services with 99.9% uptime.

“We recently migrated to the Missouri Evergreen Consortium and were so impressed with Equinox and their efficient migration schedule, exemplary virtual training sessions and friendly online support,” said Rebecca Buckley, Library Director at Rolla Public Library. “We are excited about our new library system and appreciative of the professional, kind, and reliable team support system we have experienced with Equinox.”

The Missouri Evergreen Consortium began as a resource-sharing initiative in 2012 in an effort to create an integrated library system for libraries in Missouri. The consortium is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provision of the Library Services and Technology Act as Administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

“It is always a pleasure to introduce new libraries to the open source community,” said Erica Rohlfs, Senior Implementation Project Manager. “Working with Rolla Public Library Staff on their migration to Evergreen ILS was a pleasure and I am excited to see them join the Missouri Evergreen Consortium.”

Follow Equinox Open Library Initiative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Vimeo for the latest updates.

To receive news directly in your inbox: https://www.equinoxOLI.org/#signup

For more information:
Laura Barry
Communications Coordinator
Equinox Open Library Initiative, Inc.
EquinoxOLI.org
laura.barry@equinoxOLI.org
877.OPEN.ILS (877.673.6457)

About Equinox Open Library Initiative
Equinox Open Library Initiative provides innovative open source software for libraries of all types and delivers extraordinary service at exceptional value. As the successor to Equinox Software, Inc., Equinox Open Library Initiative builds upon more than a decade of trusted service and technical expertise, providing consulting services, software development, hosting, training, and support for Evergreen ILS, Koha ILS, and other open source library software. To learn more, please visit https://www.equinoxOLI.org. For Equinox Library Services Canada, please visit https://www.equinoxOLI.ca.

About Evergreen
Evergreen Integrated Library System is an award winning and trusted library solution used by more than 1,800 libraries worldwide. Evergreen ILS is a web-based and mobile-friendly system which provides attractive, easy to use interfaces for library acquisitions, administration, cataloging, circulation, OPAC, reports, course reserves, and serials functionality.

Evergreen ILS is an enterprise level system designed to manage a scalable catalog shared across libraries, including large public and academic library consortia. While designed for large collections, Evergreen is suitable for libraries of any size and type from government libraries to museum and special library collections. Its flexibility enables libraries to configure policies and settings that work best for their communities and to maintain ownership of their library and systems data. For more information about Evergreen: https://www.equinoxoli.org/products/evergreen/.

###

Chile’s University of Concepcion Now Live with the FOLIO Library Services Platform
~ First Library in Latin America is Live on Open Source LSP with Hosting Services from EBSCO FOLIO ~

IPSWICH, Mass. — October 5, 2021 — University of Concepcion (UdeC) has become the first library in Chile and Latin America to fully adopt the FOLIO Library Services Platform (LSP). UdeC utilized EBSCO FOLIO from EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) for their implementation services and will continue to use EBSCO FOLIO for hosting services. This is the first FOLIO implementation in Latin America and will serve as an example for libraries in the region looking to switch to an open-source LSP.

UdeC Library Director, Karen Jara, says that FOLIO is based on an architecture that guarantees continuous innovation and supports the integration of applications. “The FOLIO structure allows UdeC Libraries to advance in its modernization. Our involvement in the FOLIO implementation has given us the chance to witness the project’s progress. But the best is yet to come, and this team has the skills to achieve it,"

UdeC’s Head of Bibliographic Acquisitions, Paula Diaz, says that FOLIO’s focus on collaboration adds value to the platform’s services and embodies the mission of librarians. “The incorporation of FOLIO allows us to efficiently combine traditional services with the innovation that libraries advocate for, allowing us to be more adaptable to changes and respond in a timely manner to the needs of our users."

EBSCO’s lead FOLIO Implementation Consultant, Alexander Soto, says the commitment of the UdeC implementation team during the project to improve current workflows with integrations between FOLIO and local systems made for an effective transition. “UdeC’s collaboration with EBSCO’s extensive and highly experienced implementation team allowed the library to create a customizable system workflow with improved processes to their user record creation and journals subscriptions into the library.”

As part of their implementation, UdeC will continue to use EBSCO Discovery Service™ so that the library will be able to maintain the front end that users are accustomed to seeing while also modernizing their backend systems, and eliminating the need to sync the discovery layer with the ILS. As a GOBI® customer using FOLIO, UdeC will benefit from a streamlined book selection and acquisition workflow. When an order is placed in GOBI, it is seamlessly reflected in FOLIO with the purchase number, bibliographic record, and all associated order details and can be processed via electronic invoicing.

About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the preeminent provider of online research content and search technologies serving academic, school and public libraries; healthcare and medical institutions; corporations; and government agencies around the world. From research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development, EBSCO provides institutions with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations. EBSCO Information Services is a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc., a family owned company since 1944. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com.

###

For more information, please contact:
Kathleen McEvoy
Vice President of Communications
kmcevoy@ebsco.com
978-414-0443

Atlanta, Ga., October 4, 2021: Equinox Open Library Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a trusted leader in open source technology services for libraries, is proud to support the 2021 New England Library Association’s Annual Conference. Equinox’s contribution will help fund in-person and virtual conference events running from September 1 through October 18, 2021.

“NELA provides incredible opportunities for learning, sharing, and networking across libraries in the New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont,” said Lisa Carlucci, Executive Director at Equinox. “We are pleased to provide support for the 2021 New England Library Association Conference and applaud the creative approach to this event - offered in multiple formats and across several dates - allowing for maximum participation.”

The New England Library Association Annual Conference is taking place this year over the course of two months with days devoted to specific library themes including diversity, advocacy, leadership and management, and licensing electronic resources. The final day of the conference will take place in person on October 18 at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. For more information about the conference schedule please visit: https://nela2021.godaddysites.com/

Follow Equinox Open Library Initiative on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

To receive news directly in your inbox: https://www.equinoxOLI.org/#signup

For more information:
Laura Barry
Communications Coordinator
Equinox Open Library Initiative, Inc.
EquinoxOLI.org
laura.barry@equinoxOLI.org
877.OPEN.ILS (877.673.6457)

About Equinox Open Library Initiative
Equinox Open Library Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is the successor to Equinox Software, Inc. Equinox's mission as a nonprofit is to promote and support a thriving ecosystem for open source library communities in order to provide libraries worldwide with innovative, affordable, and sustainable open source solutions. We are devoted to reducing barriers to library technology and services, expanding library access to open source software, and providing high quality technology, consulting, and support services. To learn more, please visit https://www.equinoxOLI.org.

###