epixtech to Integrate NetLibrary eBooks into Library Automation System

Provo, Utah—epixtech inc., the leading provider of library automation systems, and NetLibrary Inc., a leading distributor of electronic books (eBooks) to libraries, today announced an alliance that will bring the industry-leading features of eBooks to the thousands of libraries worldwide using epixtech's Dynix and Horizon integrated library systems.

Under the agreement, epixtech software will be enhanced to make the selection and acquisition of NetLibrary eBooks a simple, secure, online process. Capabilities such as preview access of eBook titles, support for system-wide staff selection lists, the automatic transfer of enhanced MARC records into the library catalog, and integrated circulation reporting are just a few of the features that will be integrated into epixtech software in the coming months.

Library users will experience seamless integration between existing library materials and the availability of eBooks through their current OPAC. A library's NetLibrary eBook holdings will appear in the OPAC display accompanied by a NetLibrary icon linked to the eBooks. In addition, patrons will have the option to browse a list of NetLibrary eBooks. The eBooks themselves can be read on the PC workstation in the library or "checked out" to the patron's home or office PC workstation.

"We are very excited to be working with NetLibrary," said Lana Porter, epixtech's President and CEO. "The content and delivery mechanism that NetLibrary provides to libraries and patrons is directly in line with epixtech's iLibrary vision – using the Internet to deliver new services to patrons and efficient use of library resources."

"The Internet is increasingly important to the everyday operation of the library," said NetLibrary President and CEO Rob Kaufman. "As a market leader in installed automated library systems, epixtech's software is the perfect delivery vehicle for NetLibrary's extensive and growing collection of eBooks."

epixtech inc. is the leading provider of automation technologies, solutions and services for more than 7,600 libraries worldwide. epixtech's award-winning library automation systems, ConnectLib solutions for patron self-service, desktop management and interlibrary loan and its new Web-based solutions and services empower libraries and their patrons. epixtech was formerly Ameritech Library Services, a subsidiary of Ameritech, and became a private corporation in December 1999. epixtech's library automation solutions meet the needs of research, public, corporate, medical, consortia, and K-12 school libraries. Headquartered in Utah, epixtech has offices in Evanston, Illinois; Waterloo, Ontario; and throughout Europe and the Pacific Rim. epixtech inc. is located at 400 West 5050 North, Provo, Utah 84604; Telephone: 1-800-288-8020; fax 801-223-5202; and at www.epixtech.com.

NetLibrary Inc. (www.NetLibrary.com) is a leading provider of eBooks and Internet-based content/collection management services. NetLibrary has established relationships with more than 200 publishers of academic, reference, scholarly, and trade books and has created digital versions of more than 20,000 titles. NetLibrary hosts and manages eBook collections for numerous public, academic, corporate, and special libraries. The company also sells eBooks directly to consumers at the NetLibrary and peanutpress.com Web sites. With NetLibrary, readers can choose between PC-based eBooks for reading online or offline, and eBooks for portable reading on a variety of handheld computers.

For further information, contact:

Scott Wheelhouse, Vice President of Product Management,
epixtech inc. 1-800-288-8020, ext. 5887
s.wheelhouse@epixtech.com

Kate Noerr, Vice President of Sales and Marketing,
epixtech inc. 1-800-288-8020, ext. 5821
k.noerr@epixtech.com

Brian Bell, Director of Public Relations
NetLibrary Inc. (303) 381-8703
bbell@NetLibrary.com