Dynix Corp. developed a full-featured Electronic Resource Management (ERM) module. During the initial stages of development, Dynix has worked closely with staff from two large Academic Research Libraries, Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Md.) and the University of Chicago (Chicago, Ill.), to identify the requirements of what will be the most comprehensive ERM solution available to libraries.

The Dynix ERM module will provide a way to manage the selection, procurement, implementation, display, access, administration, and eventual discontinuance of online electronic resources, including alert notification of changes in status of major milestones, such as renewals. All electronic resources will be managed by this module, including online database subscription aggregators, e-book providers, and local resources created on campus or in the library.

"As electronic resources become an increasingly complex and important component of library offerings, we are excited to announce the development of the Dynix ERM module, a comprehensive and integrated solution that will help our customers seamlessly manage their electronic resources," said Dynix President and CEO Jack Blount. "Having worked with two of the leading academic libraries in the United States to define the requirements for Dynix ERM, we are confident that our solution will quickly become the industry-standard ERM model for academic libraries around the world."

Several key strengths distinguish Dynix ERM from competing solutions in the library marketplace. Dynix ERM fully integrates the e-resource approval process with the Acquisitions module, and e-resource title and license information is available to users through Horizon Information Portal. As well, ERM information is automatically populated during the acquisitions process when working with standards-compliant content providers. Dynix ERM also alerts all decision makers during the e-resource approval process and provides batch title enabling for newly acquired subscriptions.

Much of the infrastructure required to support Dynix' powerful ERM module already exists. Horizon Information Portal, Horizon Consolidated Searching, and Horizon Link Resolver will provide a foundation for completely integrating the ERM module with the library's broader library management system, making the user experience of resource discovery and access seamless and intuitive.

As part of the development, the Horizon Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Serials Control modules will be extended and enhanced to fully support electronic resources. Integration with Acquisitions brings with it full fund accounting, purchase order creation, invoicing capability, and renewal features. Integration with Serials brings an awareness of which materials are also available in print.

The Horizon Information Management System will provide an industry-standard platform for Electronic Resource Management—and open applications environment with exposed Web Services APIs to Horizon functionality. The Dynix ERM solution will be completely scalable and will provide a powerful environment to completely manage all electronic resources for both single-branch libraries and for the largest of consortia.