Ithaca, NY. Under an exclusive agreement with Data Description, Inc., Library Dynamics has begun selling a new visualization system for analyzing and comparing library collections resources, and capabilities. Spectra CRC, built on top of Data Desk®, Data Description's data exploration engine, offers library professionals an easy-to-use suite of graphical tools linked to a full bibliographic database that contains library and consortia holdings and usage information.

Library Dynamics is currently marketing Spectra CRC on DVD media. Under the agreement, Data Description will replace DVD access with Internet-enabled access to the database and tools.

"Spectra CRC showcases Data Desk's ability to work well with large datasets," said Data Description president John Sammis. "And the forthcoming web-delivered client/server version will allow people who are geographically scattered to analyze a large, central data store."

Spectra CRC received advance critical acclaim in American Libraries,where David Dorman wrote in his "Technically Speaking" column, "The product analyzes and compares collections for decision support more deeply and thoroughly than any other collection analysis product I have seen."

Howard Harris, General Manager of Library Dynamics, commented, "Both individual libraries and library consortia have shown great interest in this new system. Spectra CRC provides key tools to enable decision making and cooperative collection management--in ways that result in cost savings and better use of library resources."

The Spectra CRC service offers a number of visualization tools to explore quantitative aspects of holdings and usage of titles across a range of subject categories. The visualization tools provide immediate access to data to support collection development and management in ways not possible before. A user can easily explore analyses ranging from a library-wide perspective down to sets of titles and complete information on individual titles.

Data Description, Inc., Ithaca, New York, is a software development company dedicated to three enterprises: data analysis and exploration, multimedia technology for training and education, and the development of web solutions. As an award-winning pioneer in its areas of expertise, the company extends the reach of its technologies through active partnerships with major corporations, universities, and government agencies. Founded in 1986, Data Description's continuing growth and the employment opportunities it provides continue to make a positive contribution to the Finger Lakes regional economy.

Library Dynamics, Sterling, VA, was founded in 1998. The company provides a variety of tools for assisting libraries in analyzing, planning, decision support, collaboration, sharing, and management of collections, resources and library capabilities.

Further Information

John Sammis, President Data Description, Inc. P.O. Box 4555, Ithaca, NY 14852

Telephone: 607-257-1000 Fax: 607-257-4146 E-mail: jsammis@datadesk.com

Howard Harris, General Manager, Library Dynamics 111-M Carpenter Dr., Sterling, VA 20164

Telephone: 703/880-6405 Fax: 703/709-9623 E-mail: hharris@librarydynamics.com www.librarydynamics.com