Auto-Graphics Debuts Next Generation AGent Library Automation Platform for Web 2.0

Auto-Graphics Debuts Next Generation AGent Library Automation Platform for Web 2.0

Company to Showcase Enhanced Search and Social Web Features of AGent 3.0 During ALA Annual 2007
American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual 2007 Conference

Auto-Graphics, Inc. (OTCBB:AUGR)(Pink Sheets:AUGR), a technology innovator providing library automation solutions for over 35 years, today announced that it will be showcasing Version 3.0 of the AGent™ integrated library automation platform at the American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual 2007 Conference and Exhibit at the Washington DC Convention Center, June 23-26, booth #1303. This latest release of AGent is focused on the end-user, with the goal of delivering tools to improve information discovery while also addressing the new nature of the social web.

“This is a monumental shift in our culture and it is taking place right now. We serve people who will not seek or use information in the way that libraries currently provide it,” commented Christie Brandau, State Librarian of Kansas.

Auto-Graphics’ commitment to delivering innovative and standards-based solutions revolves around its AGent suite of integrated products, which offers a library automation platform currently used by more than 5,000 libraries in North America. The enhanced functionality of AGent 3.0 includes:
– Redesigned User Interface: AGent 3.0’s user interface (UI) makes
more information available to the end-user by taking advantage of
new system and screen technology. The new UI effectively blends
information from the traditional OPAC, federated search technology
and a range of progressive tools to enhance the information
discovery process.

– Improved Information Discovery Tools: These new tools join the wide
array of search tools, such as a spell checker, local and
authoritative cross referencing, built-in federated search
capabilities and virtual de-duplication of results, available to
AGent users.

— Clustered Results Engine: This latest release will include an
Auto-Graphics-powered clustered results engine that identifies
contextual associations between words using existing metadata
and displays these relationships to reveal associations not
previously considered.

— User Tagging Options: AGent 3.0’s flexible user tagging
functionality balances the user’s desire for participation with
the library’s need for regulation. It enables AGent users to
contribute to the OPAC in the form of comments, reviews,
ratings, added subjects and keywords and other information to
provide insightful peer input to library collections, while
also allowing administrators to turn contributions on and off
as necessary.

— Faceted Results Display: The full release of AGent 3.0 will
include faceted results display, allowing users to more
effectively find specific types of material within the results
of any query. Users will have the option to refine result sets
by language, material or item type, format, location and other
qualifiers.

– Instant Messaging: AGent 3.0 seamlessly integrates the ability to
offer instant messaging within the application to provide real-time
answers to user questions.

– E-Commerce Functionality: Auto-Graphics has integrated an array of
best-of-breed e-commerce functionality into the latest version
release, including the ability for users to purchase books through
a custom library website, suggest a book for addition to a library
collection or pay fees online.

“Each enhancement in our latest release of AGent was designed with the end-user in mind, with the goal of putting library resources within reach of the online audience and utilizing the networking and growth capabilities provided by the social web,” explained Paul Cope, president of Auto-Graphics. “If you’re not listening to what the users want, you’re missing the boat.”

Additional information about the new functionality of AGent 3.0 will be made available to interested media and partners at ALA Annual 2007 or by contacting Auto-Graphics.

About Auto-Graphics, Inc.

Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics has been a technology innovator for more than five decades, providing data automation solutions to customers across multiple industries. For the past 35 years, Auto-Graphics has helped libraries of all sizes become more efficient and patron-centric. Its flagship solution, AGent™, is the most comprehensive library automation platform available today, allowing libraries of any size manage, share and search their resources. The AGent integrated product suite – currently used by more than 5,000 libraries in North America – comprises a complete ILS system for public libraries; a robust ILL solution for consortial entities and member libraries; and a powerful federated search solution for both public and academic libraries. For more information, please visit www.auto-graphics.com.

© 2007 Auto-Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. AGent, is a trademark of Auto-Graphics, Inc.
Contacts

Auto-Graphics, Inc.
Kim Masterson, 760-842-3414
kxm {at} auto-graphics(.)com