Just Released: Prospero 2.0

[Eric Schnell]

Please excuse the multiple postings...


    For about a decade Ariel has allowed libraries to send ILL documents to 
each other via the Internet.  Using standard Internet protocols and 
document specifications, Ariel enabled libraries to scan and send high 
quality document copies to one another. However, the system offered little 
support the redistribution of these electronic documents direct to the 
requesting patrons.

     In 1999, the first version of Prospero was released as an Ariel 
add-on.  Prospero was simple. It captured documents sent via Ariel, 
converted them into PDF format, and then distributed them direct to the 
patron via the Web. It was two years before similar patron distribution 
functionality was built into Ariel 3.0.

    Prospero 2.0 builds upon the success of it's previous version has grown 
to become a self-contained Internet Document Delivery (IDD) system.  As an 
IDD client, Prospero 2.0  allows libraries to use the Internet to exchange 
high quality ILL documents.  As in all previous versions, Prospero 2.0 
still allows direct to patron delivery.

    Built on the same protocols and specifications on which Ariel was 
built, Prospero 2.0 can send and receive documents not only from other 
Prospero workstations, but also from Ariel.

    Together, Prospero and Ariel create the foundation of a developing 
Internet Document Delivery (IDD) network.

    Prospero 2.0 also supports:

      -  Basic firewall support by proxy
      -  SMTP server authentication
      -  Basic scanned image editor

    For a list of features, a FAQ, or to download Prospero 2.0 please visit:


         http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/prospero/




Eric Schnell
Assistant Professor
Head, Information Technology Services
Prior Health Sciences Library
The Ohio State University
schnell.9 at osu.edu / 614-292-4870
http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/eric.html

"You see, I don't believe that libraries should be drab places where people
sit in silence, and that's been the main reason for our policy of employing
wild animals as librarians."   --Monty Python's Flying Circus