Auto-Graphics, Inc – Resource Management Solutions, Products & Services

AGent Search™: FAQ

Where do users begin searching with AGent Search?

Your library's homepage can be transformed to create one place where patrons and staff can access all of your valuable information sources. By incorporating our AGent Search interface into your library's website, users are presented with a familiar look and feel that can be further customized to meet their individual search needs. Searches can be performed in-library or remotely. Searches can also be performed within a Microsoft® Word client, allowing users to conduct searches of all available electronic resources within the Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition Task Pane in Word.

How does AGent Search simplify the login process?

Patrons and staff save time by logging in only one time to use all of your library's subscription databases and local catalog. No more logging in and out to switch databases.

Why is AGent Search often called a Federated Search, Metasearch, or Single Search Tool?

These are all generic terms that accurately describe how our powerful, yet easy-to-use product significantly improves the search experience for your patrons and staff by searching multiple resources at once. Users quickly find the valuable information they need, without wondering which resources to search first. Results can be saved and re-implemented at any time.

What are the main benefits of using AGent Search?

Fully compatible with ALL available databases
Displays full text in true native interfaces (no screenscraping)
Single login via multiple authentication methodologies. Full support for proxy servers, referring URL, userid and passwords
Supports NCIP and SIP2 remote patron authentication.
Unlimited number of databases can be included in a search
Parse citations for all databases
Intelligent results management featuring de-duplication, sorting and configurable displays
Complete statistics package, including in-library and remote user stats, tracking by staff and patron, search types basic, advanced and qualified searching. Tools to add in collection development and resource usage justification. Extensive web traffic stats for hosted sites.
No "turnaways"
Software as a Service (SaaS) hosted delivery option
Robust Web Services integration to existing applications
Available as a Web Services integration to existing applications, Portal and Microsoft Word™ client

How is AGent Search maintained?

AGent Search can be maintained via Auto-Graphics' Software as a Service (SasS) model. With the SaaS option, the system is fully supported, fully backed up, and fully maintained by us, on our servers. All of this is included in our pricing with no hidden costs. Auto-Graphics is one of the pioneers in hosting and maintaining systems for customers and has been doing so for nearly a decade. AGent Search is also available as a locally licensed product.

Does AGent Search integrate with other library systems?

Yes. AGent Search can work with your current system (ILS) architecture, so you don't have to replace products that still work or in which you have a great deal invested. If your library is seeking an ILS system, ask us about AGent VERSO, a complete ILS solution that seamlessly integrates with AGent Search.

How long has Auto-Graphics been serving libraries?

Auto-Graphics is one of the most dedicated and long lasting service providers in the library automation industry. For over 35 years, we have been delivering superior customer service to libraries like yours. It's no wonder that more than 5,000 libraries in North America currently use Auto-Graphics' products and services.