RESEARCHit

RESEARCHit utilises cutting-edge connectivity to search all major vendors’ subscription-based content through each vendor’s Application Programming Interface (API) or XML gateway.

RESEARCHit supports single login via multiple methodologies, including NCIP and SIP2 protocols for authorisation against the Integrated Library System (ILS). It also supports remote user authentication via LDAP, custom application links or a database, providing flexible authorisation options based on the needs of library users and staff.

Yes, RESEARCHit can be purchased as a stand-alone federated search portal or bundled with Auto-Graphics’ other automation software products, such as VERSO (Library Management System) and SHAREit (resource sharing solution).

RESEARCHit allows for robust administration of custom user categories. An unlimited number of unique user or user categories can be created, each configured with tailored sets of resources, messages of the day, and designed look and feel. A replication function enables staff to update and copy settings and configuration information across multiple groups in the system.

Yes, RESEARCHit includes a Web Services module that allows customers to integrate federated search into their existing software applications using an improved XML-based interface. This integration provides users with a streamlined workflow and better access to multiple information silos.

RESEARCHit enhances user's ability to find relevant information through robust de-duplication functionality and configurable search result displays. Libraries can manage information overload by limiting the number of search hits per database, providing intelligent results management.

RESEARCHit offers comprehensive statistics, allowing libraries to track onsite versus remote access, compare basic versus advanced searches, identify databases being searched or viewed and access detailed information on website traffic and system activity. This data supports informed collection development decisions.

Auto-Graphics provides a comprehensive SaaS onboarding process, including data templates for migration, extensive review of prior system data and records, quality control and periodic meetings leading up to the product's go-live. Post go-live, libraries have access to email support, real-time phone support and a web portal for support ticket management. System functionality and security are monitored 24/7.

The Auto-Graphics team at Soutron Global is committed to providing state-of-the-art technology solutions that are accessible for our customers as well as their community of users. We are continually improving the user experience by applying all relevant accessibility standards to our library management and resource sharing software.

Conformance

Auto-Graphics strives to embed accessibility throughout our products using WCAG 2.0 guidelines that ensure compliance with section 508. The WCAG outlines three levels of conformance: level A, level AA, and level AAA. All patron-facing pages are no less than Level AA compliant with many at Level AAA compliance. A-G’s current conformance to WCAG guidelines are detailed on our VPAT.

Auto-Graphics is dedicated to developing our software adhering to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, however, there may be areas within our software and website that aren’t fully compliant. We continue to refine our policies and procedures to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.0 and the revised Section 508.

Measures to support Accessibility

Development:

The Auto-Graphics Development team at Soutron Global incorporates accessibility measures as part of the development process. Working together with Product Managers, we ensure that each feature, function and enhancement is created to meet, at minimum, the WCAG 2.0 AA standards for 508 Accessibility.

The tools utilised for development include:

Google’s Material Design System – Helps teams build high-quality digital experiences for Android, iOS, Flutter and the web. They define best practices for addressing accessibility.

More details can be found here.

Angular Material – Supports building beautiful, usable applications. The components we use already have accessibility built in.

More details can be found here.

Testing and Quality Assurance:

Our Quality Assurance team utilises third-party tools and assistive technologies when assessing accessibility in our software.

The tools utilised are:

• JAWS screen reader
• NVDA screen reader
• Dragon Speech Recognition
• WAVE (Online Web Accessibility Evaluation) Tool: Evaluates pages and identifies accessibility issues based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
• ANDI (Accessible Name and Description Inspector) Testing Tool: This tool performs testing to detect accessibility issues per page

• WCAG contrast color-checker tool

The Auto-Graphics team evaluates each new feature using NVDA and/or JAWS screen readers and keyboard navigation with every software release. In addition, QA runs a system evaluation at least once a month to confirm accessibility standards are upheld using the tools WAVE and ANDI. The Auto-Graphics team is also implementing testing using Dragon Speech Recognition software for the patron interface.

A-G Accessibility Statement