DRA and epixtech are working together to provide epixtech’s URSA, an interlibrary loan (ILL) product, to schools and libraries serviced by DRA’s automation systems. In the future, it is expected that epixtech will provide URSA to dozens of schools and libraries, many of which use DRA’s automation system. epixtech and DRA will together send a letter to DRA’s customers who will be purchasing URSA, promising to work together to provide maximum interoperability between epixtech’s ILL system and the schools and public libraries that have DRA’s automation system installed. Both companies indicated their intention of continuing to pursue traditional library automation business.
This would include DRA providing an interface between the systems in order to avoid the time-consuming mapping that epixtech’s URSA would require where no standard interface exists. epixtech and DRA will then work together to create a method to use DRA’s search engine with epixtech’s ILL software. The development of an interface between URSA and DRA’s proprietary automation systems will provide the capability for all library customers of the two companies to exchange materials. Although many details of the joint project are yet to be finalized, the two companies have agreed to develop an interface that complies with national standards for circulation of library materials and that will be integrated with DRA’s Web2 products. The outstanding support capabilities of each organization will be available to provide the most efficient solution to customer problems.
