e-Reference, used for managing the
entire research process, is a key component of the
Softlink integrated suite of web-based software tools.
The Softlink e-Reference tracking capabilities include
the ability to set priorities, identify the assigned
researchers, track time, and manage the relationship
between the requestor and their research team. Researchers
can compile preferred information sources and record
reusable content. In addition, the research team can
record expenses for billing or chargeback. Whether
managing content and sources in a legal, medical research,
management consulting or business development environment,
e-Reference enables the sharing and reuse of information.
e-Reference adds to the organization’s knowledgebase
by retaining research results for future use.
TOTALLY WEB-BASED
e-Reference increases access to research resources
through a web-based interface. It can also be encapsulated
within enterprise-wide portals such as Sharepoint™.
Security need never be an issue as the system’s
settings can be tailored to restrict or allow access
to sensitive information, depending on user privileges
and profiles. Advanced reporting capabilities are
tightly integrated with e-Reference. Information can
be exported to an organization’s central accounting
software to track return on investment or revenue
contribution of specific departments, initiatives,
information, content and projects. Reports can be
generated quickly and easily in either Microsoft Word
or Excel, without additional steps to follow –
a valuable time-saving tool for the reference team.
FUNCTIONALITY
Offering a wealth of feature-rich capabilities such
as Federated Searching, RSS, interest alerts and email
integration, e-Reference can be fully integrated with
the Softlink Liberty3 library automation system. Incorporating
a highly sophisticated database and full-text search
engine, e-Reference is optimized for text management
and retrieval using Boolean, proximity, truncation,
limiting and bracketed operators. e-Reference incorporates
the following features, which enable the sharing and
exchange of data:
KNOWLEDGEBASE MANAGEMENT
The result of each reference request is retrievable
via the full-text search engine. Even emails uploaded
to the system can be stored and searched. These capabilities
enhance the organization’s knowledgebase by simplifying
access to shared information. Research files can also
be linked to subsequent requests, reducing server
loads and facilitating information retrieval. This
increases data file management efficiencies as redundant
copies need never be stored. A well-managed knowledgebase
is vital to achieving competitive strength, and e-Reference
is the perfect tool for building and managing that
knowledgebase.
KEY BENEFITS
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Reduced costs of research process
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Faster request turnaround
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More efficient use of data storage
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Stronger communication among research
teams
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Streamlined content sharing among
offices
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Task prioritization and efficiency
controls
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Direct real-time communication with
users
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Privacy and security controls
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Integration with corporate information
center
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Single search screen for e-Reference
and Liberty3
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Built-in chargeback features
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Ability to harness organization’s
knowledge
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Softlink e-Reference utilizes a Concordance database,
which is included in the server license. The system
uses a runtime license, eliminating the need to install
the database on the server. The following are recommendations
for e-Reference. Minimum requirements are much lower;
however, using the recommended specifications will
ensure optimum system performance.
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SERVER RECOMMENDATIONS
Hardware
o Pentium IV 1.4GHz or better
o 1GB RAM
o 500MB for e-Reference (data extra)
Software
o Windows 2000 Server or later
o Internet Explorer 5.5 or later*
o IIS 5, or Apache 1.3 or later
o SMTP Server
Notes
While not essential, an NTFS partition
is recommended. Concordance runtime
license is included with the e-Reference
install. Concordance need not be
installed on the server.
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CLIENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Hardware
o Pentium IV 1.4GHz or better
o 512MB RAM
o 10MB free disk space
Software
o Windows 2000 or later
o Internet Explorer 5.5 or later*
o e-Reference plug-in**
o MS Word & Excel (for reports)
Notes
*Other web browsers may operate with
e-Reference; however, Softlink only
develops and tests its software with
Internet Explorer 5+.
**The e-Reference plug-in and template
documents are supplied with the install
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