While public schools seem to be working to do their part in incorporating affordable measures that involve technological literacy among their students, one key factor to a successful adoption of student devices—whether purchased by the schools or provided by the parents—is a strong support system from a well-known and capable company.
Follett School and Library Group, the division of Follett that is largest provider of educational and technology materials to public schools in the US, announced three new releases this week that come together to form a seamless learning experience for student users.
According to a press release from Monday, “the joint release, another move by Follett to help its customers adopt and manage digital content as well as move from digital reading to digital learning, will be made available to select customers through the Follett First Look member-based program. FollettShelf, the cloud-based virtual bookshelf, has the ability to integrate with Destiny, the market leading product that includes Destiny Library Manager, Destiny Textbook Manager, and Destiny Asset Manager.”
This could not come at a better time. Despite the fact that many US schools have been in session for approximately a month or so, the fiscal year will begin in a matter of days, allowing schools and governing systems to make financial purchases for the upcoming budget year.
“This release is the next step for Follett in expanding our customers’ experience from a more traditional searching and reading experience to a digital learning experience,” said Don Rokusek, Destiny program director, Follett Software, in the press release. “It uniquely integrates Follett’s technology, content and services to create a foundation for future growth as schools and districts adopt and manage digital content.”
Follett School and Library Group provides not only digital library management options for schools, but also e-textbook options.
[showhide type=’pressrelease’] MCHENRY, Ill., Sept. 24, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ — Follett School and Library Group (FSLG), a division of Follett Corporation, today announced the joint release of Destiny 10.5, FollettShelf and Follett Digital Reader that will provide a simpler and richer Follett eBook mobile reading experience from computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, and smartphones.
The joint release, another move by Follett to help its customers adopt and manage digital content as well as move from digital reading to digital learning, will be made available to select customers through the Follett First Look member-based program. FollettShelf, the cloud-based virtual bookshelf, has the ability to integrate with Destiny, the market leading product that includes Destiny Library Manager, Destiny Textbook Manager, and Destiny Asset Manager.
FSLG includes Follett Software Company, Follett Library Resources, Follett Educational Services and Follett International. With a global footprint in 110 countries, the group boasts more than 70,000 K-12 customers and helps to guide more than 35 million students toward achievement.
“This release is the next step for Follett in expanding our customers’ experience from a more traditional searching and reading experience to a digital learning experience,” said Don Rokusek, Destiny program director, Follett Software. “It uniquely integrates Follett’s technology, content and services to create a foundation for future growth as schools and districts adopt and manage digital content.”
Rokusek added that the ultimate goal is to “support anytime, anywhere learning on the various platforms and open devices that educators and students are using.”
The joint release is designed to greatly improve the foundation of Follett’s eBook platform, helping to better manage the check-in/check-out process, and provide improved access to books and notes, whether online or offline.
For customers using FollettShelf, the latest enhancements include an even more intuitive and user-friendly experience, with ease of access to eContent for patrons and ease of management for educators.
“The simple and intuitive design of the new Follett Digital Reader makes the Follett eBook reading experience better than any other,” said John Williams, director of digital products, Follett Library Resources. “This personal, portable reading and study environment provides a unique and engaging reading experience that is designed to assist schools in supporting Common Core and other curriculum standards, build literacy skills, support critical thinking and make reading rewarding and fun anytime, anywhere.”
Destiny 10.5 and FollettShelf integration, Williams added, gives administrators access to powerful tools to manage and share eBook collections, increase library usage and support mobile device initiatives.
Destiny customers will be able to take advantage of new capabilities in version 10.5 for a more seamless Destiny Library Manager integration with FollettShelf. Moreover, the Follett Destiny mobile app – introduced with Destiny 10.5 – is available for Destiny Library Manager, Destiny Textbook Manager and Destiny Asset Manager school-based staff to perform basic circulation functions anywhere, anytime. Plus, major enhancements have been made to both Destiny Textbook Manager and Destiny Asset Manager, including a new Dashboard that will show data instantly and graphically in one, easy-to-view display, providing the ability to make better, informed decisions on inventory.
Additionally, the new version of Destiny Textbook Manager will allow schools to track eTextbook licenses and assign them to students, allowing districts to accurately report and manage their eTextbook content with the same level of efficiency as their physical textbooks.
Through the new Follett First Look program, Williams explained, a select group of customers will be working closely with Follett to provide timely and relevant feedback by using the platforms and content in a way that replicates their normal processes.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with such a collaborative group of active customers who make up the Follett First Look membership, and we are learning a lot from their expertise and guidance,” he said.
About Follett School and Library Group | www.follett.com
Follett is the largest provider of educational materials and technology solutions to PreK-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United States, and a major supplier to educational institutions worldwide. Follett distributes books, reference materials, digital resources, eBooks and audiovisual materials, as well as pre-owned textbooks. Follett also is one of the leading providers of integrated educational technology for the management of physical and digital assets, the tracking, storing and analyzing of academic data, and digital learning environment tools for the classroom focusing on student achievement.
About Follett
Follett Corporation is a $2.7 billion, privately held company that provides products, services and solutions to the educational marketplace. Follett Corporation was founded in 1873, and today is headquartered in River Grove, Illinois.
SOURCE Follett
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/24/4848790/follett-announces-joint-release.html?et_mid=581362&rid=232351572#storylink=cpy[/showhide]
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.
