Auto-Graphics Offers Free 90-Day Trial of AGent™ Digital Collections Provides a fully hosted turnkey solution for public libraries to build and share collections

POMONA, CA. — January, 2006 – Auto-Graphics, Inc. (AUGR.PK), a pioneer and leading provider of customized information management solutions for the library market for over 35 years, is proud to announce a free 90-day trial of AGent™ Digital Collections, a web-based collection development and delivery product that assists public libraries with the creation and display of their digital collections for patrons to search and enjoy online. The free trial provides a full service, turnkey solution for libraries to build unique digital collections within minutes. Libraries receive all of the necessary cataloging, search, and display software to get started instantly, as well as Auto-Graphics’ ASP hosted service with full system support, maintenance, and storage.

The free trial also provides access to an exclusive AGent Digital Collections member community, where libraries can showcase their collection, while networking and sharing ideas with their peers. Using the proven AGent user interface, members can search their own collection along with the collections of fellow community members in a federated search environment. Library collections can also be made universally available for searching as a Z39.50 target, accessible by those outside the member community. As part of the member community, AGent Digital Collections offers a unique Resource Center complete with articles & tips on everything needed from pre- to post-collection development, and much more.

“While digital collections technology is currently available to public libraries, the complex issues of technical staffing, funding, local IT infrastructure, and implementation make most projects too difficult or costly,” remarked Paul Cope, Auto-Graphics President. “With that in mind, we have created a fully hosted, turnkey AGent Digital Collections product that removes these barriers and makes viable the construction of a digital community.”

AGent Digital Collections is designed for immediate collection development and public display. Once a user logs in, digital files can be uploaded and cataloged in minutes using a simple data entry Web form. An optional advanced metadata editing tool is also available for the more experienced catalogers. The free trial allows libraries to test the immediacy and capability of the system with no risk or obligation.

At any time during or after the free 90-day trial period, libraries can purchase the AGent Digital Collections software and continue to receive Auto-Graphics’ ASP hosted service with support, maintenance, and storage for free in addition to the exclusive community member benefits. AGent Digital Collections allows public libraries on a limited budget to use their existing resources to create a powerful, working digital collection. To sign up for the 90-day free trial, visit http://dc-agent.auto-graphics.com.

About Auto-Graphics, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics provides a wide variety of library software services to clients who create, manage, publish, and access information using the Internet. Auto-Graphics has been a technology innovator for over 55 years, playing a leading role in translating the rapid developments in computer and data processing technology into advanced products and services used by more than 5,000 libraries in North America. For more information, please visit http://www.auto-graphics.com.