ProQuest (through its affiliate Bowker) has acquired Palo Alto-based SIPX, creator of a unique digital course materials solution that addresses a variety of copyright and costs concerns for universities. SIPX eliminates duplicate spending on course packs (collections of assigned readings) by connecting students to materials already purchased and available to them through their university library.
“SIPX’s contributions to the Higher Education community align with ProQuest’s mission to connect libraries more deeply into the day-to-day research and education needs of students and faculty,” said Kurt Sanford, ProQuest CEO. “Its service enables universities to further leverage the investments their libraries have made in their research collections. With our support, customer relationships and investment, we will rapidly increase the availability and richness of SIPX’s services.”
Developed from Stanford University research, SIPX became an independent business in 2012. Students, faculty members, schools and publishers promptly embraced SIPX’s simple solution for compiling, delivering and managing digital reading lists. Educators, librarians and support staff at leading schools — including the University of Illinois, the University of Notre Dame, Stanford University, the University of Texas-Austin, and others — use SIPX to set up course readings and immediately benefit from the system’s automatic check for works that are available at no cost to students via library subscriptions or open sources. By leveraging SIPX to eliminate redundant spending and reduce materials costs, students have experienced an average of 20 to 35 percent in savings to date.
In cases where payments for readings are necessary, SIPX simplifies complicated licensing, purchasing and invoicing processes into a seamless online transaction, eliminating administrative burdens and expense. SIPX’s technology is flexible and integrates with a wide range of platforms and use cases such as campus Learning Management Systems, library course reserves, bookstore course packs and global Massive Open Online Courses. As part of the broader ProQuest enterprise, SIPX will be strengthened and supported as it continues to evolve the increasingly popular service.
“We are thrilled to join forces with our long-time partner ProQuest, a true industry leader that believes in and supports our vision to provide users with content quickly, easily and cost-effectively,” said Franny Lee, Co-founder of SIPX. “In joining ProQuest’s ranks, SIPX is better positioned to continue working with valued partners and customers to deliver unparalleled service, both now and as new developments in higher education arise in this ever-changing digital and global era.”
Effective immediately, Ms. Lee will lead SIPX, reporting to Ben Lewis, ProQuest’s Senior Vice President for Strategy & Business Development.