Auto-Graphics to deliver Facts On File World News Digest to online library consortia customers; full text retrieval from weekly-updated database available through same interface used for catalog searching.

POMONA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 1997--Auto-Graphics Inc., a leading provider of database services for library consortia, Friday announced an agreement with Facts On File News Services to deliver the flagship Facts On File World News Digest database over the Internet and World Wide Web.

Through Auto-Graphics Impact/ACCESS delivery service, library consortia will now have subscription access to seven years of the full text of Facts On File, with weekly updates.

"The thousands of libraries that depend on Facts On File for quick, accurate and comprehensive answers to news reference questions now have an effective and convenient new way to access our database," said Thomas E. Hitchings, publisher of Facts On File News Services. "Using the same Auto-Graphics interface that enables access to a consortium's bibliographic catalog, library patrons can seamlessly shift to full text retrieval of Facts On File either on site or from their home and office computers."

The World Wide Web is the leading edge full-text retrieval method for libraries, according to William Kliss, chief operating officer of Auto-Graphics. "The Facts On File World News Digest adds a highly regarded news resource to our Web-based Impact/ACCESS database offerings. The library consortia who are served by our Impact/ONLINE will now have access to the most up-to-date version available anywhere," said Kliss.

A common interface to an expanding universe of online information -- quickly mastered by elementary school students to academic researchers -- is a major element of Auto-Graphics business strategy, Kliss added.

The Facts On File World News Digest has been published continuously since 1941. It digests information from more than 100 sources into originally written, clear, concise, objective and authoritative coverage of everything of importance in world news, from government to science to sports. The Digest serves the needs of school, college, public and media libraries.

Facts On File News Services, with headquarters in New York City, was acquired by K-III Reference Corp. in 1996. It is no longer connected with Facts On File Inc., the book publisher.

Company Information

Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics (OTC:AUGR) provides information publishing and database resource sharing systems to the publishing and library communities. The company's Web site can be located at http://www.auto-graphics.com .

CONTACT: Auto-Graphics Inc., Pomona

William Kliss, 909/595-7204

or

Lages & Associates

Debbie Bellan/Beverly Lages

714/453-8080

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