NEWS

ProQuest Ebook Central Enters Beta, Debuting New Features That Enhance User Productivity

University libraries in U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany and Australia now beta testing the pioneering ebook platform

ProQuest continues to innovate the ebook research and management experience with the launch of the beta program for its eagerly anticipated new ebook platform.  ProQuest Ebook Central ™ integrates key elements from both ebrary and EBL - Ebook Library, along with all-new functionality, eliminating the complexities surrounding ebooks and delivering a superior experience for end-users and librarians.

“Going live with our beta program for ProQuest Ebook Central means that we’re on the doorstep of offering librarians and researchers the complete solution they’re seeking,” said Kevin Sayar, vice president and general manager, ProQuest Books. “We’re taking a collaboration-focused approach to our launch, working closely with those who will be using the platform to ensure it fits seamlessly into their workflow. The response is very encouraging.”

Beta users include libraries at Oxford University, University of Michigan, Fordham Law Library and University of Wollongong. "We appreciated the introduction to the beta, and some excellent new features have us optimistic about ebook perceptions and use,” said Alison Pepper, eCollections Coordinator, University of Wollongong. “With multiple pathways for access, our clients often don’t make the distinction between proprietary databases and the library’s interface, so the Ebook Central reputation is our reputation. Based on what we have seen so far, Ebook Central appears to offer an intuitive user experience; a feature that is highly sought after by students and staff.”

ProQuest Ebook Central combines the strengths of the EBL and ebrary platforms. The platform’s administrative portal simplifies the ebook workflow. Librarians save time and eliminate headaches through:

• Streamlined acquisition process
• Customizable administrative tools and support for all access models, including Extended Access, eliminating user turn-aways
• Real-time usage and expenditure analytics
• Built-in interoperability with key vendors.

Ebook Central’s patron experience encompasses ebrary’s new Reader. Designed to work on a variety of devices, the Reader’s text and page quality boosts readability while new options, including direct chapter downloads from results and detail pages, give users more control of their reading experience. The beta also debuts a variety of other new features:

Superior search

• Search terms are highlighted in the search results along with a short book description and explanation of its ranking.
• An uncluttered search results page and redesign make it easy for users to narrow and filter their searches.
• Users can now see which books in their search results are available and which are mediated and available upon request.

Smart Bookshelf

• User reminders for number of books downloaded or loaned and days remaining.  
• Quick access to recently viewed titles through simple displays.
• Options for exporting notes and generating citations for each book.

Library Visibility

• Libraries can now add their logos and custom text to the homepage and customize links (e.g. to their catalog) via the sub-navigation menu.

ProQuest expects to conclude beta and go live with ProQuest Ebook Central later this year. Learn more at www.proquest.com/libraries/academic/ebooks.