Technology from ALA's Exhibit Floor

Here's some new and interesting technology unveiled at the American Library Association's most recent midwinter meeting:

Dynix ( www.dynix.com), the automation vendor formerly known as Epixtech, has created a new package of automation services designed for K–12 schools. Dynix's new Horizon Interlibrary Loan and Reciprocal Borrowing products, available later this year, will make it easier for school library users to request interlibrary loans.

EBSCO (www.ebsco.com), which plans to purchase the periodical subscription company RoweCom (see February 2003, News, p. 20), has created a new online service called A-to-Z. The service consolidates libraries' database collection records, so users can tell which periodicals are available.

Enslow Publishers has recently launched a new Web site called MyReportLinks.com to accompany its popular nonfiction book series. With the purchase of a MyReportLinks.com book, students and libraries gain access to the publisher's Web site, which provides hundreds of related links, documents, and photos. For more details, see www.myreportlinks.com.

LearnaTest.com, a Web site that helps users prepare for achievement tests, is now making a push into middle and high schools. The company recently unveiled a package to help K–12 students score higher on advanced placement tests and the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The package also includes high school exit exams and a new job and career help center, which helps students write résumés and practice job interviewing skills. For a free 30-day trial of the service, visit www.learningexpresslibrary.com.

The automation vendor, Sirsi ( www.sirsi.com), has teamed up with Barnes & Noble to enable library users to buy library catalog items directly from Barnes & Noble's Web site. Libraries using Sirsi will receive a percentage from each sale.