III Debuts Its MetaSource Suite

Innovative Interfaces Inc. (III) has introduced a new product to help its customer libraries manage their digital collection. Called MetaSource, the product comprises three primary components: Millennium Media Management can create and store images and audio files and includes a copyright and access component to handle the legal issues of digital collections, which can be tricky. XML Harvester "gathers XML records from any server and then creates a record in the system." Metadata Builder stores the XML in the metadata scheme selected by the library.

One of the coolest vendor items at the ALA Midwinter Meeting was III's AirPAC, an OPAC on the go. The product allows access to the library's online catalog via cell phones and wireless PDAs. AirPAC gives patrons the full power of Millennium's searching software for advanced searches, results sorting, holdings displays, etc., while they are walking down a library's aisles holding the units in their hands. Of course, AirPAC allows remote access to an OPAC as well.

Additionally, III has enhanced its e-journal tools Electronic Journal Holdings Update, which automatically revises holdings statements for e-journal subscriptions using data acquired by their providers. A new Serials E-Checkin uses XML input from the serials' vendors or e-journal publishers to record checkin transactions. III said that suppliers such as EBSCO transmit an electronic packing slip to the library's server, which processes the information and updates the records. III also has cut a deal with Swets Blackwell under which Serials E-Checkin customers that also use Fast Plus journals consolidation service can check in records for an entire shipment of journals using an electronic packing slip. Deal with Syndetic

Lastly, III has joined many of its fellow vendors and signed with Syndetic Solutions "to provide enriched bibliographic content to users of [III's] Millennium system." The information provided by Syndetic includes tables of contents, book reviews, book summaries, author notes, book jacket images, first chapters, and biographical profiles.