CLA and Kortext buy library reading list management system

The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) and digital textbook provider Kortext have bought a reading lists management system, rebus:list, from library management supplier PTFS Europe.

The rebus:list system, currently used by over 30 institutions across the UK and Ireland, is designed to manage all kinds of reading lists, including university course reading for academic libraries and bestseller lists for public libraries.

The system has been "significantly upgraded", according to Kortext, and over the next six months, current customers will migrate to the new "enhanced" system as CLA and Kortext work in collaboration with PTFS. Meanwhile both existing and new customers will be invited to participate in the future development of the service.

The price Kortext and CLA paid for the list was not disclosed, but the companies said they will be making "a significant investment" in the system to further enhance its current capabilities and create "a world leading resource management solution". Mat Pfleger, c.e.o. of CLA, said the investment demonstrated CLA’s "commitment to develop solutions and services that simplify copyright and make it easier to access content".

Kortext has already developed the Digital Content Store (DCS) for the CLA, a workflow management system used by 77 universities in the UK to help manage digital course pack creation and distribution to students.

Pfleger for CLA said: "We are delighted to be making this announcement today with Kortext and PTFS Europe. Our investment further demonstrates CLA’s commitment to develop solutions and services that simplify copyright and make it easier to access content.

"We will continue to partner with the sector as a whole and with other third party systems who wish to integrate with CLA solutions and products."

Nick Dimant, c.e.o. of PTFS Europe, called it "a very strong win for the library sector". 

“We are very proud of the progress we have made with rebus:list over the last few years and are pleased that it will become a core component of many universities teaching and learning infrastructure going forward," said Dimant. "Our collaboration with  CLA and Kortext will help ensure that rebus:list becomes the leading resource management solution. With the amazing capabilities of both CLA and Kortext, we see a very strong win for the library sector, and of course the academics and students they serve.”

James Gray, c.e.o. of Kortext, said that, with CLA, it hoped to create "a seamless learning experience that enhances access to the widest possible range of learning resources", while helping universities to transition to digital remained its priority.

Up until April of this year, when Kortext struck a deal with Connect Books’ library supply arm Dawson Books, it had concentrated on striking deals directly with universities to supply e-textbooks to students. 

“We are delighted to work with CLA and PTFS Europe in developing services that support universities and students within the HE sector," said Gray. "Along with rebus:list and the CLA we will help to create a seamless learning experience that enhances access to the widest possible range of learning resources. Helping universities transition to a more innovative digital learning environment remains our priority and such partnerships allow for enhanced interoperability.”