Follett's Destiny 11.0 release heightens support of digital learning

MCHENRY, Ill., March 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Follett announced today the release of Destiny 11.0 with significant improvements to help create an interactive, digital learning environment with Follett eBooks, as well as continue to dramatically drive library efficiency.

A key feature of Destiny 11.0 addresses the improvements Follett made to its capabilities for using eBooks and mobile devices to support digital learning, including a Destiny Quest mobile app for Kindle Fire devices to further support the 21st century learner. The app currently supports users of Apple and Android devices.

"We know that digital and mobile are key trends that are transforming school libraries, and we want to give librarians new ways to connect with students and teachers," said Don Rokusek, Follett's Destiny program director. "It also will now be easier to use Follett eBooks and be able to identify them with the new green icon."

Another Destiny 11.0 release highlight is Follett's implementation of Resource Description and Access (RDA) cataloging to support the new industry standards aimed at today's digital world. "We are staying current with changes in the standards, from both a functional and technical standpoint," Rokusek said.  "The move to RDA cataloging keeps Destiny fresh and relevant for today's school districts."

In addition, Destiny 11.0 will mark the debut of a new dashboard for Destiny Library Manager, the leading library management software in nearly 59,000 schools and 6,000 districts. The new dashboard will provide quick access to view circulation statistics, overdue notices and hold requests in one easy-to-view, user-friendly graphical representation.

"The new dashboard is designed to help librarians and media specialists more easily communicate key usage metrics to administrators and advocate for the importance of their school libraries," Rokusek said. "Follett recognizes the key roles that school libraries play in education."

Follett's ongoing effort to support 21st century technology skills, as well as Common Core State Standards, has impressed customers who received an early look at Destiny 11.0 as part of the Follett First Look member-based program.

"I love the overdue report and the update button in the new Destiny 11.0," said Dr. Lynn M. Lary, instructional technology specialist and media/library coordinator for Springfield (Ore.) Public Schools.

The release also gives users new capabilities in Destiny Textbook Manager and Destiny Asset Manager including the ability to allow calculation of lost fines based on asset or item price.

Follett will be hosting a "What's New in Destiny 11.0" webinar at 1 p.m. EDT/10 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, April 9, with all the features and benefits to be outlined and explained.

Existing Destiny customers with current technical support, and who have previously upgraded to Destiny 10.5, are entitled to Destiny 11.0 at no additional cost.

Follett's School and Library Group includes Follett Software Company, Follett Library Resources, Follett Educational Services and Follett International. With a global footprint in 110 countries, the group boasts more than 70,000 K-12 customers and helps to guide more than 35 million students toward achievement.

About Follett School and Library Group | www.follettlearning.com

Follett is the largest provider of educational materials and technology solutions to PreK-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United States, and a major supplier to educational institutions worldwide.  Follett distributes books, reference materials, digital resources, eBooks and audiovisual materials, as well as pre-owned textbooks. Follett also is one of the leading providers of integrated educational technology for the management of physical and digital assets, the tracking, storing and analyzing of academic data, and digital learning environment tools for the classroom focusing on student achievement.

About Follett

Follett Corporation is a $2.7 billion, privately held company that provides products, services and solutions to the educational marketplace. Follett Corporation was founded in 1873, and today is headquartered in River Grove, Illinois.

SOURCE Follett