** Apologies for cross posting **
London, 31st March 2000
LASER launches V3.Online, the exciting new Internet-based tool for
library resource sharing
V3.Online - a unique search tool for the Information Age
The V3.Online internet service for resource sharing and interlending
requesting is the only totally integrated search, message and loan
management service in the United Kingdom.
V3.Online launches at Imagination Gallery
V3.Online is the new networked service from LASER, the Development and
Networking Agency, for resource sharing and interlending requesting. The
internet-based service was launched today by Linda Perham, MP, 31st
March 2000 at the Imagination Gallery in London.
V3.Online is a new kind of resource sharing service that will make the
vast stocks of libraries available easily to everyone, whether for
lifelong learning, economic and business development, community
information or leisure. It is in fact a large 'clump'. Speakers at the
launch included Neville Mackay, Chief Executive of the Museums Libraries
and Archives Council; Rachel Van Riel, Director of Opening the Book, the
company she founded in 1991 and which has grown to be the UK's leading
agency in reader development; Professor Bob Fryer, Director of
Policy & External Relations at Ufi; and Bamber Gascoigne. The Master of
Ceremonies was David Whitaker OBE.
V3.Online consists of:
· A comprehensive database of relevant bibliographic information
· A unique location service giving access to over 40 million library
holdings against titles
· Full transaction management facilities for lending and borrowing
resources
· Full management information and accounting for use
· Internet access via the latest 'thin-client' Web technology
· Backed by UK public libraries, national, academic and special
libraries and international partners
V3.Online, fully in use since January 2000 by c.100 library authorities
follows on from the Viscount system which Laser ran successfully for
many years. Continuing product development will ensure that V3.Online
maintains it's status as the primary electronic ILL tool of choice.
Whether the library materials you want are held by public libraries, the
British Library or other specialised libraries, V3.Online allows them to
be found via the internet and immediately requested for loan through a
local library. V3.Online allows library staff to manage the whole
process of lending and returning items as appropriate to the type of
material.
V3.Online has been developed from scratch to support the latest
technical standards and meet demanding client requirements. The current
service is intended for library staff to use, but developments are
planned for Autumn 2000 that will enable library users to search the
extensive catalogue and place their own requests, which will then be
managed for them by information professionals.
Further information on V3.Online is available at
http://www.viscount.org.uk/laser/v3online.html
The official launch has been sponsored by Fretwell-Downing Informatics
Ltd, LIBPAC Computer Services and CISCO systems.
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Notes for Editors
1. LASER is the preferred name for London and South Eastern Library
Region, the Development and Networking Agency. Building on a history of
regional and inter-regional resource sharing activity since 1926, LASER
is now developing new approaches to cultural services development and
promoting access to learning resources, based on a wide range of
partnerships.
2. Further information may be obtained from Jennifer Cox, Client
Services, LASER, London & South Eastern Library Region, Gun Court, 70
Wapping Lane, London E1W 2RS; Tel: +44 020 7702 2020; fax: +44 020 7702
2019; Email: [log in to unmask]
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Frances Hendrix
Director
LASER
4th Floor, Gun Court
70 Wapping Lane
London E1W 2RS
Tel: 0207 702 2020
fax: 0207 702 2019
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
http://www.viscount.org.uk/laser
Company No. 1991362, VAT No. 233106019
A Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered Charity No. 293864
'Serving the London, South East and Eastern Regions'
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