January 21, 2006:  For Immediate Release

VTLS Announces Virtua Version 47

Extended Support of Library Consortia

Blacksburg, VA - VTLS announces Virtua Version 47. This version of Virtua contains functions designed to support the unique needs of library consortia. A growing number of libraries have formed consortia in recent years at both the national and international levels. In order to support the unique needs of library consortia, VTLS developed Version 47 with the goal of maximizing efficiencies and minimizing costs. The new architecture allows resource sharing and co-operative activities at new and higher levels, providing operating flexibility previously unavailable to libraries. For example, some consortia wish to allow fiscally and organizationally independent libraries to cooperate with each other on certain aspects of their operation, and yet maintain independent control on other aspects of their operations. This request led to the development of Version 47 of Virtua, which allows several advanced features in sharing common bibliographic and authority records. This allows patrons with a single library card to have different privileges and controls in different libraries and allows vendors to share some information while keeping other information secure.

Among the other new features in Version 47 are:

1. A new level of organization called "institutions". A consortium may consist of many institutions each with its own global profiling parameters and privileges. Under each institution are library "locations" with its own operating polices and procedures. A library location may have many "sub-locations" under it. The software also now supports increased options for users assigned to those institutions participating in the consortia.
2. Enhancements to all subsystems like cataloging, circulation, acquisitions to allow libraries to operate in this new environment.
3. Filtering of data within each subsystem so as to allow institution and location based display of content.
4. User permissions and other controls on modifying, adding and deleting data tied to the institution.
5. Reporting System enhancements to support consortia environments.
6. VECTORS iPortal features added to support consortia searching, displays and institution specific interfaces.

"VIRTUA has been used in library consortia environments for many years," said Vinod Chachra, Chairman and CEO of VTLS. "However, with this release, the functional capabilities are greatly enhanced and workflows are simplified. This makes the product more appealing to consortia where the needs are such that uniformity in policies is simply not possible. We are greatly indebted to our development partners for their many insights. The early response to the product has been most encouraging."

The software is being Beta tested at customer sites currently and is scheduled for general release in Q1 of 2006.