collectionHQ and SOLUS Announce Joint Initiative

GLASGOW, Scotland, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- collectionHQ, the world's leading collection performance improvement solution and SOLUS, a global library technology provider, are pleased to announce a new joint initiative to support collection management in public libraries.

The joint initiative surrounds the launch of SOLUS' 'Gizmo' mobile device and the compatibility of collectionHQ Action Plans with the SOLUS Staff App. Gizmo, an Android-powered handheld tool, supports the SOLUS Staff App to allow librarians to deliver better customer service by responding to patron queries, searching the collection and placing hold requests all from the library floor. The compatibility of collectionHQ Action Plans with Gizmo via the Staff App takes that portability one step further by allowing users to carry out multiple collection management tasks simultaneously from anywhere in the library. From Gizmo, users can then update item statuses and locations directly to their Integrated Library System (ILS), saving valuable staff time.

The official launch of the joint initiative will take place at ALA 2017 in Chicago where delegates attending collectionHQ's customer Forum will have the chance to win a Gizmo for their library with ready-to-go compatibility with collectionHQ. Attendees at the ALA Conference can also see a demonstration of the compatibility of collectionHQ with SOLUS' mobile staff App supported by Gizmo by visiting Baker & Taylor booth number 2218.

Neil Wishart, CEO at SOLUS commented: "This partnership is merging the power of the game changing new SOLUS Gizmo device & Library App, with collectionHQ's proven Evidence Based Stock Management solution which helps libraries to keep their collections optimized. By streamlining and automating manual processes and delivering collectionHQ Action Plans direct to the device, delivery of task lists is automated. Add automatic updating of the ILS as tasks are actioned live at the shelf, and libraries will realize huge efficiencies, multiplying the benefits of both products. The SOLUS component will also deliver significant additional benefits for Library Staff. It's an enabler for best-practice mobile customer service (as seen in many retail stores) to be delivered in the Library and we are delighted to be launching this with collectionHQ at the ALA Conference in Chicago 22^nd – 27^th June 2017."

Baker & Taylor's Executive Vice President for Digital, Software Products & Services Amandeep Kochar, commented: "collectionHQ in conjunction with Baker & Taylor is continuing to drive innovation and to optimize workflow efficiency in public libraries. collectionHQ is excited to partner with SOLUS and combine the power of collectionHQ with the Gizmo device and  mobile library application. This means our mutual customers can now upload collectionHQ Action Plans straight onto the Gizmo to then carry out the work at the shelves, updating item records directly in the ILS as they go. This will free up staff time, allowing them to focus on other value-add activities."

About collectionHQ

collectionHQ is the leading collection performance improvement solution, based on the proven Evidence Based Stock Management (EBSM™) methodology. Easy to implement, simple to use and extremely cost effective, collectionHQ delivers repeatable performance improvements for library collections by providing evidence-based analysis, advice and performance monitoring of all collections across all media. It helps libraries save money by improving use of existing inventory and making purchasing more effective by creating evidence-based specifications. collectionHQ improves collection performance by identifying local demand and suggesting action plans on how to address this demand – improving the quality of service, demonstrating best value and improving local marketing. collectionHQ is owned by Bridgeall Libraries Ltd., a Baker & Taylor company based in Glasgow Scotland. Baker & Taylor, a Follett Company, is the world's premier distributor of physical and digital books and entertainment products. 

About SOLUS

SOLUS is a collectionHQ partner and world-wide Library technology company. We provide disruptive digital discovery products and work with Libraries that want to maximize the impact and return on their physical and digital collections. Our products include; interactive discovery hardware, surface tables, digital furniture, library apps and the VR library & collection. www.sol.us contact [email protected]

SOURCE collectionHQ