Here’s a copy of a press release from the  Ramapo Catskill Library System about the browser that launched late last week:

RCLS will launch AquaBrowser Library® as the new online catalog user platform on July 1.

AquaBrowser Library® is a multilayered search tool that serves as a “one-stop shop” for all library users search activities.  Using this faceted navigation product, library users can broaden the scope of their search beyond the materials available at all 47 RCLS member libraries to include electronic database articles and preselected web sites.  AquaBrowser also allows library users to refine searches in ways that are not possible in the traditional library catalog.

RCLS has incorporated additional features such as My Discoveries™, a social networking resource that allows users to add their own tags, ratings and reviews of library materials.  In addition, users can create lists of materials they have read, want to read or special interest lists on a specific topic.  The user will be able to decide if they want their lists to be made public lists are shared with all users of AquaBrowser Library or kept private for personal use.

The launch of AquaBrowser Library® will also provide additional catalog features such as story summaries, reviews, tables of content and other such details to improve searching and help users choose materials.  A single search will give the library user a list of materials available at all 47 RCLS
member libraries and will provide a list of articles in over 20 electronic databases including the Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia and the Britannica Online Encyclopedia.  Simultaneously it will also provide relevant content available on three preselected web sites – the Hudson River Valley Heritage collection, the Library of Congress’ American Memory historical collection and the Librarians’ Internet Index.

Hudson River Valley Heritage web site includes a broad range of historical resources about the Hudson River Valley.  The American Memory collections contain written documents, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, and sheet music that document the American experience.  The Librarians’ Internet Index features high-quality websites carefully selected, described, and organized by a team of librarians on topics including current events and issues, holidays and seasons, helpful tools for information users, human interest, and more.

Robert Hubsher, RCLS Executive Director, said “Ramapo Catskill Library System thoroughly surveyed the available catalog enhancement tools before determining that AquaBrowser could provide everything we wanted.  By bringing together, through a single search, the resources available through our member libraries, the subscription databases available, American Memory, Hudson River Valley Heritage and the Librarians’ Internet Index we are offering our customers a comprehensive, intuitive and inspiring service to meet their information needs.”

AquaBrowser can be found in over 700 libraries of all types and sizes around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.  AquaBrowser is a business unit of R. R. Bowker.  Bowker is the world’s leading source for bibliographic information. The company provides searching, analytical, promotional, and ordering services to publishers, booksellers, libraries, and patrons through national and international brands.
The Ramapo Catskill Library System is a state mandated organization serving 47 member libraries in Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and part of Ulster Counties. RCLS provides centralized automation, consulting and support services, delivery of materials, coordinates and facilitates cooperation among member libraries, and is engaged in advocacy for and promotion of public libraries.