FONTANA, CA (September 5, 2023) – Auto-Graphics, Inc. in collaboration with hoopla Digital, has introduced a new feature in VERSO that provides fully-indexed records for all hoopla e-resources. This new feature works with all hoopla content included with both Instant and Flex plans.
Auto-Graphics, Inc. undertook this project to provide a substantially better search experience for patrons as they browse their library’s catalog. By indexing hoopla title records to be more consistent with other catalog items, patrons can make a more informed choice before borrowing a title. This helps libraries reduce unnecessary acquisition costs while giving patrons access to exactly what they are looking for.
Patrons can also check out Instant and Flex titles and place holds on Flex titles in VERSO. They can access and manage their hoopla borrows and holds in the VERSO ILS platform as well as the hoopla site or app. Borrowers can easily view and manage all their checked-out materials in one place.
By taking a collaborative approach to this project, hoopla and Auto-Graphics developed a streamlined process for patrons. hoopla content is automatically updated overnight keeping a library’s collection current without having to manually load or delete records. “A-G worked closely with hoopla throughout the design and implementation process,” said Rae Schneider, VERSO Product Manager. “The release of the Flex API was highly anticipated by our mutual customers. hoopla offered guidance and was very responsive to questions as they arose. With their help, we were able to integrate Instant and Flex collections into the VERSO ILS platform to deliver the best experience for our customers and the patrons they serve.”
“Discoverability is very important for our library partners. They want to make it as easy as possible for their patrons—as well as their staff—to find the titles they’re looking for in hoopla,” said Bridget Page, Senior Product Manager, Product Discovery. “By fully indexing both Instant and Flex hoopla titles, Auto-Graphics has simplified this process so libraries can provide their patrons with the best experience possible for borrowing digital content.”
Auto-Graphics is committed to providing librarians with innovative, seamless software solutions that help them be productive and successful. Our product team is always looking for opportunities to work with like-minded organizations such as hoopla that will lead to streamlined workflow and productivity for our library customers.
President
Customer Service Manager
Product Manager – VERSO
Product Manager, SHAREit
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Mr. Hicks, CPA, has been a director since February 2012. Mr. Hicks is Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Hicks has been a practicing certified public accountant for over twenty-five years in addition to partnering and managing both an underground construction company and real estate development business. Currently, Mr. Hicks is a founder and senior partner of Hicks & Williams, LLP a certified public accounting firm providing tax, audit and management consulting services to small and medium size clients across the nation.
Vice President of Sales
Mr. Heath has been a director since December 2012. Mr. Heath immigrated to California from Canada during the Internet commerce boom in 1999. Mr. Heath was formerly Vice President, Secondary Markets at Best Buy (2008-2010) and founded Dealtree.com in 1999, where he was CTO & COO from (2001-2010). Mr. Heath has developed expert system technologies for managing online sales channels and created several online marketplaces supporting secondary market sales. Mr. Heath is an Internet technology and business operations consultant and serves as President of Heath Investment Properties LLC. Mr. Heath is an active member of Rotary, and currently serves a Technology Director for District 5320 in Southern California.
Dr. Murphy has been a director since December 2012. He has over 20 years experience as a successful software executive specializing in high-growth SaaS companies. He currently is CEO of GVNG Technology and Practitioner of Strategy at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Dr. Murphy is an active member on the board of directors for several early-stage and private equity owned companies. He received his MBA from Pepperdine University and his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester.
Ken Kerr has been a director since April 2020. During his career, he served in a variety of leadership positions in sales, marketing, and operations with companies in startup, turnaround, and expansion. Most recently he was CEO/CFO of Advisys, Inc., a SaaS company providing financial planning solutions to Fortune 100 banks, brokerages and insurance companies, and thousands of independent financial advisers. He retired from Advisys in 2018 and now consults with businesses to improve profits and productivity through effective employee engagement strategies. Ken graduated Cum Laude from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and has an MBA with an emphasis in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.
Director of Customer Service and Quality Assurance
Controller
Product Manager, SHAREit – Customer Services
Product Manager, VERSO – Technical Services
Director of Information Technology