Auto-Graphics, a company that provides library automation solutions announced that Tennessee State Library and Archives has chosenVERSO Consortial Edition to provide a statewide integrated librarsystem to 100 libraries throughout Tennessee. VERSO’s Consortial Edition will provide TSLA libraries with a superior level of technology that will advance the system of each of its members.

Library staff will have the ability to define localized features and functions in the OPAC as well as develop library specific circulation, lending and borrowing policies. The patrons will have the ability to view and manage their library account, create reading lists, access eBooks, place holds and renew items online.

All libraries will receive the Circulation Interlibrary Loan Link module, to extend the reach of each library’s collection with enhanced and streamlined lending and borrowing capabilities. The CILL module is fully compliant with the NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol and is integrated with Tennessee’s Interlibrary Loan resource sharing system.

This project will deliver what Auto-Graphics believes to be the largest ILS NCIP implementation in North America. The CILL-enabled resource sharing workflow has been shown to reduce the borrowing or lending process by up to 50 percent, dramatically freeing up library staff time for other duties including assisting patrons.

The funding for this project was made a reality by Tre Hargett, Tennessee’s Secretary of State. His vision offered the flexibility to centralize and share library technology in a way that hasn’t been done here before – making library resources more readily available to our communities.” – Chuck Sherrill State Librarian & Archivist Tennessee State Library and Archives.

TSLA libraries will have the ability to customize their local OPAC through AGent Iluminar, Auto-Graphics’ next generation user interface, with modifiable splash pages, a full range of easy—to-use widgets including – calendars, RSS feeds and social media links to Facebook and Twitter. The system also provides an iTunes style display for search results and book jacket display.

Libraries will also benefit from iLib2Go , Auto-Graphics’ iPhone application, allowing users to find, renew and place reserves on items as well as suggest items for their library to purchase.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is leading the charge for progressive library systems by providing technology based library solutions that will increase access to resources for the residents of Tennessee. We are pleased that the state of Tennessee has opted to implement this system via the SaaS model, again validating the viability of SaaS delivery for large scale ILS systems. Auto-Graphics has been delivering software and services via a SaaS model since the 1970s.” – Albert Flores vice president of sales and marketing Auto-Graphics

We have always felt our customers need to have the latest version of the system; via support, maintenance and general releases and that there should never be an upgrade fee or data migration fee for a new release. SaaS allows us to address software releases more effectively and reduces local staff involvement down to a minimum. To address the concern of many library staff regarding data security and privacy, we use private data hosting and delivery facilities, so ,libraries know exactly where their data is at all times.” he explained.