ILS for Public libraries & Consortia

Verso Library Management System (LMS)

Public libraries seeking an efficient and customisable library management system (LMS) will find VERSO, a core component of the AGent Library Platform, which is in use at over 6,000 libraries across North America, to be a compelling value and integrated library solution of choice.  

Verso is highly customisable and scalable, suitable for libraries of various sizes, from single-branch to multi-branch consortia.  

INTRODUCING Auto Graphics

Verso ILS

 

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Soutron Global

Modular, Flexible Design

Enhanced Library Resource Management

Benefits for libraries using Auto-Graphics’ Verso library automation solution include:

  • Enhanced Resource Management: Verso helps libraries effectively manage their resources.
  • Improved Information Discovery: The system is designed to enhance how users find information.
  • Streamlined Staff Workflow: Verso aims to improve how library staff work.
  • Better Service Delivery: The responsive design of the OPAC, which enables the library’s OPAC to be available on any device, helps libraries provide better services to their patrons.
  • Scalability: Verso is suitable for libraries of various sizes, from single-branch to multi-branch consortia.
  • Customisation and Flexibility: It’s modular structure allows libraries to use only the functions that are valuable to them, adapting to their unique needs.
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VERSO in action!

no limits!

Enticing Discovery & Expanded Collections

Get results from hundreds of libraries in one search interface, with no limits on the number of lenders per request. (As a result, your chances of fulfilling a request are much higher!)

Plus, our innovative gallery view features more unique titles and more cover art on the screen, making your search more far-reaching and efficient.

Soutron Global

Benefits

Established as leaders in our field,  we see our software as we see our clients: striving to be the best.

No Hidden Costs

A single annual fee that includes all software maintenance, support and hosting services.

Continual Development

Your needs will change so our team is constantly updating new features and functionalities.

Improved accessibility

No more information silos.

Flexible and Functional

Gives you control over how you organise and share your collection materials.

Integrated Solution

Archive, library, museum and preservation solutions available as one.

All Core System Configurations

VERSO Multi-branch and Express provide your library with an out-of-the-box, preconfigured library automation solution, which includes all of VERSO’s core circulation, cataloguing, Kids’ catalogue and administrative reports modules, as well as system features like inventory management, virtual shelf browsing, data exporting and our industry-leading OPAC gallery interface.

Core system features include:

  • OPAC is available on any device
  • Auto-renew of overdue items 
  • Virtual shelf browse 
  • Integrated home page with easy editing capabilities 
  • Jacket Art (available through Syndetics and Content Cafe) 
  • Data export 
  • Inventory management 
  • Paper, email or text message notifications available 
  • Checkout receipt customisation

Available Customisations Include

A short list of available customisations is below. Contact us to discuss additional needs you may have.

  • Content Enrichment – extensive jacket art, book reviews, table of contents OPAC integration
  • Syndetics Unbound
  • Novelist Select

MARCit Editor

MARCit online cataloguing is a source of high-quality MARC records updated weekly with new records from the Library of Congress and other verified sources. Libraries can search, download and import high-quality MARC records – individually or batched – into their library catalogues.

MARCit’s flexible search interface allows the cataloguer to search an unlimited number of databases on the search screen simultaneously and select a record from any of the result sets returned. A brief citation display for each result set assists in the choice of record.

When viewing a MARC record, Online Interactive Authority Control is available to validate all headings in the bibliographic record against national agency authority records. Copies of the related authority records are available for download if desired. Modifications can then be performed to the record according to the library’s local policies. The bibliographic record is then added to the download list.

MARCit, due to its responsive design, is available on any device and can be subscribed to standalone or bundled with Auto-Graphics' VERSO.

Multi-copy Requests

Staff can initiate multiple numbers of requests for the same title through one simple step, which allows libraries to support services such as book clubs and study groups with minimal staff involvement.

Circulation – Interlibrary Loan Link (CILL)

Libraries can pair Auto-Graphics products together to simplify workflows. For example, SHAREit ILL can be embedded into VERSO LMS in a relationship called Circulation-Interlibrary Loan Link (CILL).

Thus, staff and users can search, place and process requests all in a single interface.

Clean, Intuitive Discovery Interface

A unique clustered display groups multiple formats under appealing jacket art, making it easy for the user to find and request the title and format they want.

In addition, customisable interfaces make it easy to design home pages, forms and more specific to your library’s brand.

Easy SaaS Delivery

VERSO Multi-branch & Express

A complete, standards-compliant LMS: VERSO Multi-branch and VERSO Express both leverage VERSO’s robust library management platform to provide an easy-to-use, web-based system with all core components critical to managing your modern, small-circulation library.

VERSO Express – A streamlined version suitable for smaller libraries with less than 150,000 annual circulation. Building upon VERSO’s robust LMS, VERSO Express doesn’t sacrifice any functionality; instead, it simply pares down modules not required by your smaller circulating library.

VERSO Multi-branch (County, City, Regional) – Designed for mid-size individual and multi-branch city or county libraries with over 150,000 annual circulations.

Multi-library Cataloging Administration

Functions like the Bibliographic Record Merge allow consortium administrators to select and merge multiple bibliographic records into a single record.

Meanwhile, libraries that use a shared bibliographic database can use Local Authority Control to enter and authorise their own headings, as well as headings from national authority sources.

Additional functionality includes:

  • Bibliographic Record Merge allows consortium administrators to select and merge multiple bibliographic records into a single record. This function also retains all attached items and holds and will merge them chronologically
  • Libraries that use a shared bibliographic database can use Local Authority Control to enter and authorize their own headings but also have access to headings used by other consortium members
  • Administrators can assign granular permissions among consortium members for updating and adding new bibliographic and item records

Expansive User Management

VERSO Consortia offers unique user management configurations, providing for:

  • Users having the ability to choose a home library at time of registration for reserves and notifications
  • Setting up individual staff to work at more than one facility, with ‘floating’ staff using a single login at multiple physical locations
  • Assignment of different policies for library registration
  • Configuration of user groups/categories for aggregated reports
  • Usage reporting based on the home library, county etc.
  • Library self-registration, allowing for different policies, permissions and messages for each consortium member
  • Configuration of Patron Groups in addition to patron categories to aggregate and report statistics for geographical groups of users

Splash Page Presentation Options

  • Each library in a consortium can design its own splash page welcome screen and customise its widgets, presentation, results display and sequences. Or, administrators can distribute and replicate splash page templates to their consortia members 
  • Each library in a consortium can arrange its splash page welcome screen, containing widgets that are relevant to the specific library
  • For more centralised consortia, the administrator can distribute and replicate splash page templates to all members. This makes the task of customisation across the consortium simpler
  • UX Administration enables each library in the consortium to select its own colour scheme, branding, logo and any other library specific identification
  • UX Administration lets each library configure the type of results presentation (gallery, list), how results are aggregated (clustered or merged) and how facets are sequenced and displayed
  • Dozens of other library-specific look and feel options, search and results messaging options and user-facing My Account options are configurable

Circulation Policy Management

Streamline check-in/check-out processes, manages user accounts and handles fines and fees.

Features include: 

  • User transaction policies can be based on the user’s home location or on the location where the transaction is taking place
  • Holds pick-up location does not need to be a library user’s home location. Users can select their hold pick-up location both in the OPAC and in circulation
  • Shared user records mean that the user is registered only once – not multiple times 
  • Holds can be placed on any title or item across the entire consortium (subject to policy) 
  • VERSO counts and reports on hold fulfilment at non-home libraries for reimbursement purposes 
  • The system supplies detailed ‘in-transit’ reports including information about what’s coming to the library and what has been sent to other libraries
  • System supports both temporary and permanent item transfers of holdings among and between consortium members
  • Upon check-in, the system will route a requested item to the destination library for the next consortia request for that title, without needing to send it ‘home’
  • The system allows re-routing of an item on reserve to a different pick-up location regardless of the ownership and status of the item 
  • Individual library policies allow each library to create different circulation parameters for users registered at different libraries
  • Each individual library in a consortium can configure its own wording on receipts, notices and other communications from the library 
  • Libraries can set up their own Reserves Fulfilment queue process, perhaps checking a nearby library before a distant one
  • Libraries with floating collections can designate specific library/branch/location and material type parameters for what is to float and when the floating thresholds are to be triggered. Staff can also identify a ‘backstop’ floating library for use when a threshold is reached 

Cataloging Administration

  • Bibliographic Record Merge allows consortium administrators to select and merge multiple bibliographic records into a single record. This function also retains all attached items and holds and will merge them chronologically 
  • Libraries that use a shared bibliographic database can use Local Authority Control to enter and authorise their own headings, but also have access to headings used by other consortium members
  • Administrators can assign granular permissions among consortium members for updating and adding new bibliographic and item records

Statistics & Reports

Available on any device, VERSO offers convenient access to reports and statistics, providing valuable insights into circulation and user trends. Libraries can use this data to make informed decisions and improve services.

  • The system counts transactions by material type, user category, user group and location of check-out or check-in
  • Each library can determine non-home-user traffic in the library
  • Reports and notices can be run for a single library in a consortium or with proper permission, globally for all members

 

PAC Administration

Libraries can configure their default searching to be at the library level, the consortium level or even the state level.

  • Search targets can be local, remote (using Z39.50 or similar protocols) or a combination of both
  • Each library in a consortium can manage its own default search indexes, menu and arrangement of search resources and its own way of grouping and displaying search results
  • Each library in a consortium can manage its own linkages to enhanced content, such as bookstores, Google, Zinio, OverDrive, OneClickDigital etc

Leveraging Consortia cost savings Advantages

VERSO Consortia

VERSO Consortia is ideal for multiple libraries that choose to form or operate as a single system.

For library consortiums where multiple libraries choose to form or act as a single system, VERSO Consortia delivers localisation and centralisation options to satisfy diverse consortium needs. 

Testimonials

50+ Years of Excellence

Our clients include thousands of users from over 70 countries from multinationals, governments, NGOs and Not-for-Profits to academic institutions.

Soutron Global Clients

Frequently Asked Questions

How is VERSO delivered and implemented?

VERSO is delivered via the Cloud in a hosted Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model. Upgrades are provided utilising SaaS deployment and installation. Each VERSO package includes essential modules and features critical for modern library management.

Implementation options include:

VERSO Express - A streamlined version suitable for smaller libraries with less than 150,000 annual circulation.
VERSO Multi-branch (County, City, Regional) - Designed for mid-size individual and multi-branch city or county libraries with over 150,000 annual circulations.
VERSO Consortium - Ideal for multiple libraries that choose to form or operate as a single system.

How does VERSO work with SHAREit for resource sharing?

VERSO with CILL (Circulation Interlibrary Loan) integration streamlines resource sharing for libraries participating in a SHAREit system. This integration allows libraries to manage ILL requests within their LMS, providing a seamless workflow for staff and a better user experience.

Benefits of this integration include:

  • Optimises workflow for staff
  • Improves the user experience
  • Allows searching of both library collections and SHAREit resources in one interface
  • Eliminates duplicate data entry by utilising the library's patron database for borrowing ILL items
  • Manages ILL items as if they were part of the library's collection
  • Provides access to ILL statistics, along with circulation and user trend insights
  • Automates hold generation and bibliographic/item record creation for borrower requests
  • Allows ILL requests to populate directly in the Verso reserves list

This unified search experience enhances information discovery, delivering comprehensive results, leading to more satisfied users.

What third-party options are available to improve the user experience?

A short list of our most popular third-party integrations is listed below. Please inquire directly about any other integrations you require.

  • i-tiva telephone notification
  • Syndetics Solutions (content enrichment) 
  • Unique management collection services 
  • Ebook Integration with OverDrive® 
  • CILL Circ interlibrary loan
  • EnvisionWare® (RFID, PC reservation, print management) 
  • Active Alerts current awareness service
  • GoodReads integration 
  • Bibliotheca RFID

What standards are supported?

VERSO has been built from inception on an open, flexible and standards-based architecture for seamless integration with all standards compliant third-party products available, including:

  • Z39.50 Client/Server. 
  • NCIP/SIP2 including Patron Lookup, Self Checkout and PC booking 
  • Print management and other third-party services
  • NCIP-compliant Circulation-Interlibrary Loan Link (CILL)
  • ISO 10160/10161 Resource Sharing
  • EDI Compliance
  • ISO 18626 Interlibrary Loan transactions

What bibliographic services are offered?

  • MARC Full Authority Control
  • MARC Record Deduplication and Amalgamation
  • MARC Record Upgrade Services
  • Custom Bibliographic Processing
  • Non-MARC Record Custom Processing for Pre-LMS Migratio
  • Custom Non-MARC Record Services

Is VERSO 508 compliant for accessibility?

The Auto-Graphics team at Soutron Global is committed to providing state-of-the-art technology solutions that are accessible for our customers as well as their community of users. We are continually improving the user experience by applying all relevant accessibility standards to our library management and resource sharing software.

 

Conformance

Auto-Graphics strives to embed accessibility throughout our products using WCAG 2.0 guidelines that ensure compliance with section 508. The WCAG outlines three levels of conformance: level A, level AA, and level AAA. All patron-facing pages are no less than Level AA compliant with many at Level AAA compliance. A-G’s current conformance to WCAG guidelines are detailed on our VPAT.

Auto-Graphics is dedicated to developing our software adhering to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, however, there may be areas within our software and website that aren’t fully compliant. We continue to refine our policies and procedures to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.0 and the revised Section 508.

 

Measures to support Accessibility

 

Development:

The Auto-Graphics Development team at Soutron Global incorporates accessibility measures as part of the development process. Working together with Product Managers, we ensure that each feature, function and enhancement is created to meet, at minimum, the WCAG 2.0 AA standards for 508 Accessibility.

The tools utilised for development include:

Google’s Material Design System – Helps teams build high-quality digital experiences for Android, iOS, Flutter and the web. They define best practices for addressing accessibility.

More details can be found here.

 

Angular Material – Supports building beautiful, usable applications. The components we use already have accessibility built in.

More details can be found here.

 

Testing and Quality Assurance:

 

Our Quality Assurance team utilises third-party tools and assistive technologies when assessing accessibility in our software.

The tools utilised are:

  • JAWS screen reader
  • NVDA screen reader
  • Dragon Speech Recognition
  • WAVE (Online Web Accessibility Evaluation) Tool: Evaluates pages and identifies accessibility issues based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
  • ANDI (Accessible Name and Description Inspector) Testing Tool: This tool performs testing to detect accessibility issues per page.

The Auto-Graphics team evaluates each new feature using NVDA and/or JAWS screen readers and keyboard navigation with every software release. In addition, QA runs a system evaluation at least once a month to confirm accessibility standards are upheld using the tools WAVE and ANDI. The Auto-Graphics team is also implementing testing using Dragon Speech Recognition software for the patron interface.

Improving Access, Resource Sharing, Search & Preservation

Ready to showcase your collection?

We want to prove the value we can bring to your organisation. Our testimonials are one way to demonstrate that value and build trust, but so are these reasons:

IT Safe and Secure

As a cloud-based solution, we manage your database safely & securely in the cloud, reducing the strain on your IT team.

Expand Info Access

Easily integrate with other enterprise applications, with support for Single Sign-on providing a greater opportunity to serve teams across the whole organisation.

50+ Years Strong

Our expertise in information management and database web technology comes from over 50 years of working across many industry sectors.

Next Steps

Important decisions shouldn’t be taken lightly. Let us introduce you to our world class Library Solutions and their capabilities. We can offer:

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