EBSCO Launches New Release of LinkSource ®
Link Resolver Integrated With A-to-Z Service for Expanded Functionality

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, U.S.A., December 7, 2005 – EBSCO is pleased to announce the latest release of LinkSource ®, EBSCO’s full-featured, OpenURL link resolver. LinkSource has been completely re-engineered using the latest Web technologies to ensure high performance and scalability.

The most significant enhancement to LinkSource is its tight integration with EBSCO A-to-Z ® and the A-to-Z knowledge base. With the integration of LinkSource into a library’s A-to-Z list of e-resources, LinkSource is able to take advantage of library holdings that have already been configured through EBSCO A-to-Z. The result is automatic management of links to full-text articles in hundreds of databases and e-journal packages.

Additional LinkSource features include but are not limited to:

• Vendor-neutral linking to e-journals, full-text databases, traditional library services such as the library catalog or interlibrary loan systems, and other services, like Web search engines
• Extensive branding and customization options
• Flexible authentication options
• Expert customer care
• Complimentary online training.

Integration with A-to-Z means LinkSource is able to take advantage of one of the most extensive knowledge bases in the industry, with more than 100,000 unique titles from over 900 packages and databases. “We are very excited about our involvement with LinkSource as it is a natural extension of the work we do for A-to-Z,” said EBSCO’s Content Manager for E-Resource Services Sheri Meares. “We recognize that it requires a human touch combined with the assistance of technology to achieve the level of accuracy in linking demanded by our customers.” EBSCO’s dedicated editorial team, which includes a number of librarians, is continually verifying and adjusting A-to-Z knowledge base data to ensure its high quality.

Another enhancement is simplified administration. Since full-text links are automatically added to a customer’s LinkSource menu, most of the work has been taken out of configuration. Further, the LinkSource administration module now includes an easy-to-use Collection Editor feature to streamline the process required for adding other links. An array of configuration options gives customers the ability to organize all links and control how they are presented. If EBSCO’s knowledge base does not include a desired link, customers may add and customize the appearance of their own in minutes.

For more information about LinkSource, visit www.linkresolver.com.

About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services provides libraries and research centers with online and print journal subscription services, e-resource access and management services, full-text and secondary database development and access, an OpenURL-compliant link resolver, online book purchasing and related information services. EBSCO maintains a title database of more than 300,000 title listings and upholds relationships with more than 78,000 publishers around the world.

EBSCO’s 32 Regional Offices worldwide are staffed with personnel who speak the local language and understand the particular challenges faced by librarians in their areas, offering a uniquely personal level of service. Specialized divisions serve academic, biomedical, government, public, school and special libraries as well as corporations.