Blackwell Book Services and ebrary(R) announce the launch of
ECHO(TM), the new eContent hosting platform for libraries. With ECHO,
libraries worldwide can purchase and manage eBook and print
collections within their current acquisitions workflow. Powered by
ebrary, ECHO provides an effective and efficient way for libraries to:
preview from a growing selection of full-text eBooks, select from
either multiple or single-user access for the majority of titles, and
purchase titles instantly through Blackwell's Collection Manager(TM).
Blackwell and ebrary are collaborating to aggregate current and
high-value eContent from the world's leading academic, STM, and
professional publishers.
"We are especially pleased to be working with ebrary, a recognized
leader in eContent services. Both ebrary and Blackwell are dedicated
to supporting the library community in this ever-changing
environment," states Susan Peterson, CEO of Blackwell Book Services,
"And, by combining our strengths, we are better able to respond to,
and anticipate, customers' needs."
Andrew Hutchings, Managing Director of Blackwell Book Services-UK,
comments, "By working together we will deliver to our customers a
combination of excellent eBook solutions and the ability to select and
order e-titles through services already tailored to integrate with the
libraries' own acquisitions workflows."
"ebrary is very excited to partner with Blackwell, and their
initiative regarding ECHO, which will facilitate libraries' ability to
acquire eBooks with their existing workflow," said Christopher
Warnock, CEO of ebrary. "Through our partnership, we also aim to work
with publishers to make all authoritative academic content available
for purchase online."
eBooks delivered through ECHO feature unique research tools and
integrate with other digital resources both in the library and on the
web through ebrary's InfoTools(TM) software. They are also delivered
page-by-page online, eliminating cumbersome document downloads.
Key features and benefits of the ECHO platform include:
-- Access to a growing selection of tens of thousands of titles
from more than 220 leading publishers
-- Selection of either single or multi-user access for the
majority of titles
-- Collection Manager workflow integration and consolidated
billing
-- Access to a full text preview of a title before making a
purchasing decision
-- Integration with other digital resources both in the library
and on the web through InfoTools
-- 24 x 7 x 365 accessibility
-- Comprehensive search options
-- Copying and printing text with automatic citations with a URL
hyperlink back to the source
-- Reduced overhead costs through a hosted solution
-- Expanded library collection capacity unrestricted by physical
space constraints
-- Reduced risk of loss due to damage or theft
-- Support of distance learning
About Blackwell Book Service (www.blackwell.com)
Blackwell Book Services has been dedicated to building
relationships with librarians and publishers for over 126 years.
Blackwell serves over 15,000 academic, research and special
libraries in 120 countries. Through a personalized network of services
ranging from approval plans, firm and standing orders, and opening day
collections to table of contents enrichment and electronic new title
announcement services, Blackwell combines a longstanding tradition of
bookselling with the latest information technology tailored to each
library's acquisition needs.
Blackwell Book Services has offices in Oxford (England), Lake
Oswego, Oregon (USA), Blackwood, New Jersey (USA), and Sydney
(Australia).
About ebrary (www.ebrary.com)
ebrary(R) is a leading provider of eContent services and
technology. The company helps libraries, publishers, and other
organizations disseminate valuable information to end users, while
improving end-user research and document interaction.
The company has developed a flexible eContent platform, which
customers may use in a number of different, integrated capacities:
ebrary customers may purchase or subscribe to eBooks and other content
under a variety of pricing and access models, and they may license the
ebrary platform to distribute, sell, and market their own content
online. All options are delivered using a customizable interface and
include the ebrary Reader(TM) with InfoTools(TM) software, which
enable integration with other resources to provide an economical and
efficient way to utilize information.
ebrary currently offers a growing selection of more than 120,000
eBooks and other titles from more than 220 leading publishers and
aggregators.
For three consecutive years, ebrary has been named to the eContent
100 list of "companies that matter most" in the digital content
industry.
Founded in 1999, ebrary is privately held and is headquartered in
Palo Alto, CA.
