ProQuest, through its affiliate Bowker, has acquired Palo Alto-based SIPX, a creator of a unique digital course materials solution that addresses a variety of copyright and costs concerns for universities. SIPX eliminates duplicate spending on course packs, collections of assigned readings, by connecting students to materials already purchased and available to them through their university library.
Developed from Stanford University research, SIPX became an independent business in 2012. Students, faculty members, schools and publishers promptly embraced SIPX’s simple solution for compiling, delivering and managing digital reading lists. Educators, librarians and support staff at leading schools, including the University of Illinois, the University of Notre Dame, Stanford University, the University of Texas-Austin, and others use SIPX to set up course readings and immediately benefit from the system’s automatic check for works that are available at no cost to students via library subscriptions or open sources. By leveraging SIPX to eliminate redundant spending and reduce materials costs, students have experienced an average of 20 to 35 percent in savings to date.
In cases where payments for readings are necessary, SIPX simplifies complicated licensing, purchasing and invoicing processes into a seamless online transaction, eliminating administrative burdens and expense. SIPX’s technology is flexible and integrates with a wide range of platforms and use cases include campus Learning Management Systems, library course reserves, bookstore course packs and global Massive Open Online Courses. As part of the broader ProQuest enterprise, SIPX will be strengthened and supported as it continues to evolve the increasingly popular service.
Effective immediately, Franny Lee, Co-founder of SIPX, will lead the company, reporting to Ben Lewis, ProQuest’s Senior Vice President for Strategy & Business Development.
