ProQuest has announced the launch of the beta program for its eagerly anticipated new ebook platform - ProQuest Ebook Central ™. The new ebook platform integrates key elements from both ebrary and EBL - Ebook Library, along with all-new functionality, eliminating the complexities surrounding ebooks and delivering a superior experience for end-users and librarians.
Beta users include libraries at Oxford University, University of Michigan, Fordham Law Library and University of Wollongong.
ProQuest Ebook Central combines the strengths of the EBL and ebrary platforms. The platform's administrative portal simplifies the ebook workflow. Librarians save time and eliminate problems through streamlined acquisition process, customizable administrative tools and support for all access models, including Extended Access, eliminating user turn-aways, real-time usage and expenditure analytics and built-in interoperability with key vendors.
Ebook Central's patron experience encompasses ebrary's new Reader. Designed to work on a variety of devices, the Reader's text and page quality boosts readability while new options, including direct chapter downloads from results and detail pages, give users more control of their reading experience. The beta also debuts a variety of other new features including Superior search, Smart Bookshelf and Library Visibility.
ProQuest expects to conclude beta and go live with ProQuest Ebook Central later this year.
