Following a recent piece on the electrical power requirements for minicomputer based library systems (LSN vol. 2, no. 8), we have had several inquiries about other aspects of accommodating a mini. In a single library system the computer and associated central site equipment are ideally located near the circulation department and, if a patron access catalog is envisaged, the public catalog because this permits a high proportion of the terminals to be wired directly to the central site without the use of expensive communications hardware.
Space requirements vary from system to system but none exceed 135 square feet exclusive of work area. The work area should contain at least 100 additional square feet, not only to facilitate access, but also to dissipate heat from the system. If not a separate room, the area should be surrounded by a security partition to protect the system against those who are not qualified operators.
Minicomputers can normally be accommodated in environments that are comfortable for staff who spend an entire day in an area. The maximum acceptable temperature is 85 degrees F. The typical system will raise the temperature by as much as five degrees in a large room. Therefore, it is recommended that the temperature in the room be five degrees lower than in other areas. If this cannot be done, an exhaust fan and duct should be installed above the system. No modification should be made until detailed specifications are supplied by the vendor. Dramatic changes in temperature will adversely affect a computer system. Weekend shut downs of the air-conditioning to conserve energy should be stepped so that the temperature variance does not exceed 10 degrees F per hour. Humidity should be kept between 40 and 70 percent. A dehumidifier is recommended if high humidity conditions are likely in the building.
Static conditions can also be a problem. These can be diminished by not using wax on floor tiles and installing an antistatic mat in front of the system. A large mat should be chosen to ensure that it extends a few feet beyond the system on each side. These mats are available from local suppliers. Avoid using metal or plastic chairs in the room because moving them around may produce static electricity.
The library's system specifications should require that the vendor inspect the site prior to the commencement of site preparation and that it certify the suitability of the site after modifications have been completed.
