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Book-scanning kiosk software connects libraries

June 22, 2012

Fulfilling interlibrary loan requests just got a little easier with the Xerox BookCentre, a self-service book scanning kiosk that allows library staff members to scan directly to the world's most popular library resource-sharing services, according to a company press release.

Scannx LLC, a developer of cloud-based document capture and document delivery software and services, worked with Xerox to develop, market and support the new line of Xerox-branded self-service book-scanning systems.

The company's new software has a connector that enables the Xerox BookCentre to work with the Online Computer Library Center's Article Exchange document sharing site for fulfillment of interlibrary loan requests. OCLC, the world's largest library cooperative, works with libraries, archives and museums around the world to share resources and digital materials through its Odyssey, ILLiad and Article Exchange services. In just one step, the new connector lets library staff scan from the Xerox BookCentre directly to OCLC's Article Exchange document sharing site, making it faster and simpler to fulfill interlibrary loan requests, John C. Dexter, Scannx's president and chief operating officer, said in the release.

"Xerox self-service book-scanning systems are replacing traditional and very expensive overhead book scanners and copiers," he said. "One of our goals is to make the Xerox BookCentre as compatible as possible with OCLC's dedication to expanding access to the world's information and reducing library costs."

The Xerox BookCentre also makes it easy for anyone to scan book pages as PDF, searchable PDF or Word file formats and send them automatically via email as an attachment, USB flash drive, smartphone, tablet, Google Docs, network folder, fax or printer, Dexter said. The kiosk includes a 17-inch touchscreen computer, self-service scanning software powered by Scannx, an 11-inch by 17-inch patented book-edge scanner to protect the spine of the book from damage, and the ABBYY FineReader Technology for optical character recognition accuracy.

The kiosk and some of its newest features are on display June 22-25 at the American Library Association conference in Anaheim, Calif.

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