MnLINK enters software contract with Fretwell-Downing, Inc.

Fretwell-Downing, Inc. (FD) has announced that the Minnesota Library Information Network (MnLINK) has contracted with it for FD's VDX and ZPORTAL software for the MnLINK Gateway to facilitate electronic access and resource sharing within the state. ZPORTAL will provide access to many different types

of library resources, such as library catalogs and licensed commercial databases that have been made available to all Minnesota residents, including students, staff, and faculty at Minnesota educational institutions. In addition, Minnesota library users will use VDX within the MnLINK Gateway to request interlibrary loan resources from other MnLINK libraries.

With the introduction of ZPORTAL and VDX, MnLINK will expand the services it provides Minnesota residents with easy Web-based access to all the resources contained in the libraries for the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota state colleges and universities, and the Minnesota state agencies. Other participants in the MnLINK Gateway include private colleges, public libraries, K-12 school libraries, and special libraries.

Source: Fretwell-Downing, Inc., Overland Park, KS, 913/239-1200; http://www .fdusa.com.