Auto-Graphics Inc. and Index Data LLC announced a strategic partnership to provide state-of-the-art, standards-based integrated search and discovery software to the library industry. The partnership will further solidify a relationship that began in 2001 and will allow the companies to more fully integrate Index Data's Pazpar2(TM) search engine and its accompanying technologies into Auto-Graphics' AGent(TM) library automation platform to provide an enhanced search and discovery experience. This integration will take advantage of the strengths of each system and seamlessly combine those strengths into one OPAC to provide greater speed and accuracy when searching across multiple catalogs and databases.

Auto-Graphics Inc. and ChiliFresh Enterprises Inc. announced a technology collaboration to more flexibly integrate ChiliFresh's Review Engine into the AGent(TM) suite of library automation solutions and other library systems. The two companies worked together to develop a Web Services application that allows libraries to adapt integrated ChiliFresh content into a customized results set display. Previously, subscribing libraries were limited to a standard display of book reviews; with the development of the new Web Services application, libraries have the ability to present book reviews and ChiliFresh content through their OPAC in whatever manner best suits their needs. The ChiliFresh Review Engine consists of a database of reviews that reside on a remote server. When a library subscribes to ChiliFresh, its online catalog is enhanced by giving patrons a way to interact by reading and writing book reviews and providing starred ratings and reviews within the OPAC. Currently, library patrons from around the world view ChiliFresh review content from library catalogs in excess of 65 million times each month.

Auto-Graphics Inc. announced that it has signed a reseller partnership agreement with Lyrasis to provide Auto-Graphics' AGent(TM) suite of library automation products to its membership base. The agreement provides Lyrasis, which was created from the merger of PALINET and SOLINET, with reseller rights to distribute solutions from across the entire standards-based AGent product line. This agreement includes AGent Resource Sharing(TM), a robust interlibrary loan (ILL) and consortial borrowing solution, and AGent VERSO(TM), a complete integrated library system (ILS), as well as the full complement of data processing services such as Authority Control and Record Upgrade services. All of Auto-Graphics' products are available via the Software as a Services (SaaS) hosted delivery method, which includes full system support, maintenance and updates without requiring a large upfront investment in the form of a license. In addition, Lyrasis library members that select an Auto-Graphics product will receive AGent Iluminar(TM), the new patron user interface. AGent Iluminar was built using the free open source Flex(R) framework, a key component of the Adobe Flash(R) Platform that provides a more visual and interactive user experience to facilitate social networking, effortless navigation and 'drag and drop' customization capabilities for an improved user experience and administrative workflow. Lyrasis member libraries benefit from collaboration with peers from diverse institutions, increased purchasing power and access to more industry experts and peer-to-peer solutions. Lyrasis acts as the premier technology advisor, offering its members cutting-edge education and access to effective technology solutions from vendor partners. Member libraries will now have the opportunity to purchase Auto-Graphics' library automation solutions, which are currently used in more than 6 000 libraries across North America, directly from-and with consulting and training support provided by Lyrasis.