Library Technology Guides

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Volume 10 Number 11 (November 1990)

ISDN explained

The Contributing Editor has recently been asked whether it is necessary for libraries to plan for ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) when undertaking new or expanded telephone facilities. Generally, the answer is yes. But first, just what is ISDN?. It is an international standard being developed by CCITT (Consultative Committee for International Telephone and Telegraph) to provide for simultaneous voice, data, full text, and image transmissions over the same telephone circuits. To achieve this, the telephone network has to be converted from analog to digital including not only the lines and switches provided by the telco, but internal wiring and equipment as well. Analog facilities lack the transmission capacity to handle the amount of data envisioned by the ISDN standard.

ISDN standards are not completed, and the service is not yet universally available. Many vendors are waiting for all of the standards to be set before modifying their products. Current availability is limited to major metropolitan areas. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to avoid investing significant amounts of money in analog PBXs and other equipment not compatible with ISDN. Most telephone equipment which is digital will be capable of being retrofitted to ISDN. Digital telefacsimile equipment which conforms to the current CCITT Group III standard will be able to use ISDN, but it will not perform very much better.

Not all libraries will need ISDN, but in this case it is not size that determines whether a library will benefit from a technological advance. Any library that wishes to transmit voice and data over the same circuits potentially will benefit from ISDN. Even greater benefit will be realized if full-text and image files are to be transferred because these require far more capacity than analog circuits provide.

ISDN circuits will cost more, but their much greater capacity should make the cost of moving a specific body of information less than ever. With ISDN the capacity of a single circuit is increased more than eight times, allowing both more to be transmitted at any one time, and allowing much faster transmission speeds. The simplest illustration is that of facsimile transmission. Using present Group III technology, a page is transmitted at 9,600 bps, but with Group IV technology the rate is 64,000 bps. The effect is to reduce the transmission time for a typical page from a journal from 60 seconds to 9 seconds while using the sane line to transmit data between computer terminals. Furthermore, unless there are several terminals sharing the circuit with the fax machine, there will be sufficient capacity remaining to accommodate telephone conversations among staff.

Every indication is that ISDN is least three years away for most areas. While purchasing an analog PBX would be a mistake because it is equipment which usually is left in place for ten or more years, an investment in a Group III fax machine continues to be sound because the equipment usually is replaced in three to five years and the capital investment is not that great. The difficult area is multiplexors and modems for automated library systems. They normally are in place for five to seven years. If the local telco offers local digital service at no more than ten percent above regular voice-grade service, it usually is a good idea to take it so that one can install digital multiplexors and modems that will be compatible with ISDN when it becomes available. Each situation must be examined individually in the light of current costs, the probable need for ISDN service, and the potential costs of ISDN service.

AT&T, local telcos, and computer manufacturers are committed to providing adapters that allow existing voice telephone sets, computers, terminals, and printers to operate over ISDN lines.

CLSI's first multi-Sequent configuration

CLSI, Inc., announced the installation of its first multi-sequent installation at the Providence Public Library, console site for the Cooperative Libraries Automated Network (CLAM). The Cooperative has 29 libraries participating in its network, with approximately 325 terminals and workstations accessing the system. CLSI's modules for MARC cataloging, acquisitions, circulation, and the online public access catalog are used by the network. The upgraded system allows the CLAM libraries to handle circulation transactions much more quickly and enables the completion of the back-up programs for the network's large data base and the Unix "checkup" program for each file in a much shorter time span. Patrons also obtain rapid responses to their searches of the online public access catalog. The network has 2.3 million item records in its data base and an annual circulation of 4.25 million.

CLSI has completed over 100 upgrades for existing customers, nearly one-fourth of its customer base. Since moving to UNIX in late 1989, CLSI also has made more than 35 installations of new UNIX-based systems.

[Contact: CLSI, Inc., 320 Nevada Street, Newtonville, MA 02160; (617) 965-6310.]

DRA to automate Florida community college system

Data Research Associates, Inc., has signed a contract through the College Center for Library Automation (CCLA) to install a $5.5 million Data Research automation system at a network of more than 60 libraries serving 28 community and junior college systems throughout Florida. The turnkey installation will initially include three Digital Equipment Corporation VAX 6430 processors concurrently supporting 950 terminals. Data Research software on the system includes modules for circulation; public access; acquisitions; serials control; media booking; MARC data base cataloging and authority control; OCLC interface; BiblioFile interface; and Baker & Taylor interface. Also included is a custom software interface to provide access to the NOTIS automation system that serves Florida's state university system.

The 28 colleges in the network collectively hold 2.2 million unique titles and a total of 5.2 million volumes. Projected additional acquisitions for the system are estimated at 55,000 titles and 134,000 volumes annually.

[Contact: Data Research Associates, 1276 North Warson Road, P.O. Box 8495, St. Louis, MO 63132-1806; (314) 432-1100 or U.S.: (800) 325-0888, Canada: (800) 331-3513; Fax (314) 993-8927.]

Geac System 9302

Geac Computer Corporation Ltd., unveiled its newest computer system--the System 9302--at its Annual Shareholders' Meeting. The new System 9302 is a high throughput, but compact minicomputer that excels in online transaction processing while maintaining solid batch processing capabilities. Designed to address the needs of two of Geac's vertical markets--Financial services and Library Automation--the system 9302 does not require a computer room environment. Incorporating processors, memory, disk drives and tape backup in a single cabinet configuration, it is ideally suited to an office area.

The System 9302 consists of one processing cluster with two Full Function Processors (FFP) tightly coupled to a common memory ranging from 4 MB to 16 MB. An additional cluster can be linked using an InterCluster Communicator (ICC).

Each FEP contains a Geac 9300 processor set which handles I/O as well as application task processing. Disk, communications, tape and ICC interface boards are configured within each FFP chassis.

The System 9302 features bit-sliced processor technology, as do the other Geac-made machines; up to 16 MB primary memories with power-fall protection; multi-user, multitasking, message-based operating system; and a variety of languages including Geac's proprietary ZOPL, ABLE, and HUGO.

Geac Advances in Europe

Geac Computer Corporation Limited has announced a number of recent upgrades and sales of its GLIS and Advance product, all of them in France:

• Rennes Public Library, in Rennes, Britanny, has chosen GLIS op the Geac Series 9000 with 65 terminals.
• BPI of Centre George-Pompidou in Paris, a long time Geac Series 8000 customer for their GLIS OPAC, has chosen Geac to upgrade to a Geac series 9000. The new system will not only support an OPAC, but also circulation, acquisitions, and a loader for records drawn from the Bibliothèque Nationale.
• The University of Amiens is upgrading its Geac Series 9000 to expand usage.
• Rodez Public Library, in the Southwest of France, has chosen Geac ADVAMCE with a 17 terminal system configured on an ICON 2700 system. There will be CD-ROM downloading capability.
• Montauban Public Library, also in the Southwest of France, has chosen ADVANCEs with a 28 terminal system configured on an ICON 3000 system. It also will include CD-ROM downloading.
• BCP of department de l'Allier, in the center of France in Massif Central, has selected ADVANCE and plans to use an 1N2 8200 platform with 8 terminals.

Geac also has announced that it has been awarded a GSA contract by the U.S. General Services Administration. The contract covers all GLIS hardware, software, and maintenance items, as well as Geac's new PICK-based ADVANCE hardware, software, and maintenance. Federal agencies will be able to purchase Geac goods and services without issuing an RFP or going through complex procurement procedures. Geac already automates a large network of U.S. Military libraries--the most recent being the one at Fort Bragg.

[Contact: Geac Computer Corporation, Ltd., Markham Corporate Campus, Suite 300, 11 Allstate Parkway, Markham, Ontario L3R 9T8; (416) 475-0525; Fax (416) 475-3847.]

New NOTIS installations

KeyNOTIS has been selected as the integrated library automation software for the Robert Morris College Libraries. KeyNOTIS will serve both the main library at the college campus in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the branch library at the college's downtown Pittsburgh Center.

KeyNOTIS, the turnkey library system from NOTIS Systems, Inc., was installed on a dedicated IBM 9373-025 processor at the main campus in mid-September. The library will implement the acquisitions module first. The library will announce the rest of the implementation schedule at a later date.

Robert Morris College is the third KeyNOTIS site and NOTIS' sixth installation in Pennsylvania. With 113,300 volumes, the college library serves nearly 5,500 undergraduates and graduate students and circulates approximately 30,000 items per year.

The Roscoe L. West Library at Trenton State College in Trenton, New Jersey, has selected NOTIS Library Management System for its local integrated system. They expect to have the NOTIS OPAC, cataloging, and circulation in production by June 1991 with acquisitions and serials brought up later on.

The West Library has a collection of over 500,000 volumes with 1,600 current periodical subscriptions and a large microform collection. The library's patrons include approximately 6,000 students and over 500 faculty members. Previous to acquiring NOTIS, the library had only an automated circulation system.

NOTIS fully compatible with new IBM mainframe

NOTIS has announced that NOTIS software products will operate on all of the new, more powerful IBM System/390 mainframe computers. NOTIS users can immediately upgrade to the new System/390 mainframe processors, Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD), telecommunications processors, and the expanded memory support. some NOTIS users are already running on the new platform.

Most NOTIS sites currently run on the IBM System/370 platform that includes the 937x, 43xx, and 30xx models. All IBM mainframes now used by NOTIS customers can be upgraded to the IBM system/390 platform with its wide choice of models of the new ES/9000. The new platform also provides for a greatly extended growth path for users of System/370 mainframes.

NOTIS will be able to take advantage of the System/390's architectural features. These provide opportunities for even better response times and enhanced connectivity options through OSI.

[Contact: Stuart W. Miller, NOTIS Systems, Inc., 2nd Floor, 1007 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60201-3622; (708) 866-0150; Fax (708) 866-0178.]

Sirsi meets SISAC standards

Sirsi Corporation appears to have become the first library automation company to offer a serials control module that meets new standards set by the Serials Industry Systems Advisory Committee (SISAC). Issues may be checked in by scanning the publisher-standard barcode to be printed on the cover of issues. This barcode contains coded enumeration data as established by SI5AC, a subcommittee of ANSI/NISO.

Sirsi's newest release of the Unicorn Serials Control Module incorporates several other new features: closer links with the Unicorn Acquisitions Module are maintained for tighter fiscal control; detailed binding and routing information is maintained, and the module allows Unicorn to predict an issue's numeration, name, expected receipt and claim dates, based on patterns entered into the control record.

Sirsi has announced that it has signed an agreement with IBM to supply their new RISC 6000 computers with Unicorn software.

The company has moved to new facilities. The phone numbers remain the same.

[Contact: Sirsi Corporation, 110 Walker Road, Huntsville, AL 35801; (205) 536-5881; Fax (205) 536-8345.]

VTLS OPAC at Toronto uses PCs

Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library, Canada's largest public library, has selected VTLS-89 for its automation system. The software will run on a Hewlett-Packard 3000 series/Model 960 computer, which will support 180 PCs. The library is believed to be the first in the world to forgo "dumb" terminals and use only PCs and the VTLS Intelligent Workstation software for information access. Approximately one-third of the PCs will be available to the public.

In addition to the base VTLS-89 package and the Intelligent Workstation, Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library (MTRL) has chosen the following optional software: Acquisitions and Fund Accounting System and the Cataloging Enhancer.

MTRL's bibliographic records will be loaded remotely into VTLS-89's data buffer using interfaces to the WLN and Utlas utilities. Because VTLS will be implemented as part of a PC-based Local Area Network, no terminals will be used.

MTRL is primarily a reference library, lending its materials for in-house use only. It also offers such services as interlibrary loans, a union catalog, library publications and languages coordination to other public libraries in Metropolitan Toronto. MTRL maintains the most varied collections of any Canadian public library. It houses approximately 1,619,000 books and 778,000 serials. In 1989, more than 1,400,000 patrons used the library.

[Contact: VTLS, Inc., 1800 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060; (703) 231-3605; Fax (703) 231-3648.]

MITINET/marc interfaces

Information Transform, Inc., announces two new interfaces between MITINET/marc and two major integrated library systems: the Geac ADVANCE system and the enhanced DOBIS system from Centennial. Now users of both systems can use the MITINET/marc software to create original MARC records in-house and immediately import these records directly into the ADVANCE system and the DOBIS system.

MITINET/marc lets the user create original MARC records in-house, without the user needing to learn anything about MARC. The $795 MITINET/marc software runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 and compatible computers and Apple II computers, and is marketed by Information Transform, Inc.

The ADVANCE library system is an integrated library system for all sizes of public, school, and academic libraries. The ADVANCE library system which runs on UNIX and Pick computers is installed in 40 libraries in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and France, and is marketed by Geac Computers, Inc.

The DOBIS-Centennial library system is an integrated system for medium and large public and academic libraries. The DOBIS library system which runs on IBM mainframes is being marketed by the Bibliocentre at the Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology.

MITINET/marc records now can be imported into 41 automated library systems.

[Contact: Information Transform, Inc., 502 Leonard Street, Madison, WI 53711; (608) 255-4800; Fax (608) 255-2082.]

RLG and NYU complete electronic record exchange, phase one

Working in conjunction with Bobst Library at New York University and Geac Computers, Inc., the Research Libraries group has successfully completed the first step of a three-step project to link its RLIN data base with members' Geac local systems--ultimately enabling users of either system to search both using their own familiar commands and formats.

The completed first step allows bibliographic records from the RLIN system to be transferred to Bobst Library's Geac system electronically using standard protocols for intersystem communication, rather than by tape. Since March, a daily average of 350 records has been transferred from RLIN to NYU's Bobcat online catalog.

The next step anticipated is the transfer of records created or updated on NYU's Geac system to RLIN for incorporation into the RLIN online union data base; the third phase will permit online searching of the RLIN data base by users of the NYU system's terminals. In addition to making it easier for NYU's library staff and patrons to search both systems with the skills acquired for just one, the electronic exchange will also keep NYU's data in the two systems automatically synchronized as one.

For RLG, the work has involved expanding the capabilities developed through the Linked Systems Project (LSP). The LSP is a joint project of the Library of Congress, OCLC, and RLG with the objective of developing links among the participants' systems. The LSP protocols are based on the ISO Open Systems Interconnection Model.

[Contact: RLG, The Research Libraries Group, Inc., 1200 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041-1100; (415) 962-9951.]

Unix moves in front

UNIX became the largest installed multi-user operating system worldwide during 1989, reports an unpublished study by DMR Group, Inc., of Montreal. Over one-fourth of new installations are based on UNIX. The survey was based on a random sample of 2,400 sites. A related study of a smaller number of sites determined that competitive reasons, rather than attempts to cut cost, have motivated the majority of UNIX users to select the operating system. Whatever the motivation, this is a significant trend.

NCR moves away from proprietary operating system

NCR, a $6 billion computer company, has joined the ranks of manufacturers moving away from proprietary operating systems to "open systems." NCR will not only migrate products and existing customers from its various proprietary operating systems to UNIX, but will implement OSI conformity throughout the product line. The company expects to complete the transition by 1995.

NCR already has been in the library market with its UNIX-based NCR Tower systems supporting Sirsi software, but may become a more important player when all of its hardware is available to library automation vendors.

The move by NCR follows an earlier one by UNISYS, a $10 billion computer manufacturer. UNISYS has dubbed its open systems strategy the "Integrated Information Environment," and claims that it will apply to all of its mainframe and UNIX computers. All will be able to interconnect with one another as well as with UNIX machines from other companies.

Barcodes revisited

For those who read "Barcodes in Brief" in last month's issue and want still more information, we recommend The Barcode Book by Roger G. Palmer at $24.95 ($35.00 hardcover) . Be prepared for information overload.

[Contact: Helmens Publishing, 174 Con-cord Street, Peterborough, NH 03458; (603) 924-9631; Fax (603) 924-7408.]

UPS for LANs

While we have addressed power conditioning and the use of an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for multiuser library systems on a number of occasions, we've not dealt with PCs. While a single PC is vulnerable to power spikes, surges, brownouts and blackouts, the damage is localized: lost work in progress, board burnout, corrupted data, etc. Now that LANs (Local Area Networks) are becoming popular, it is essential that attention be paid to the protection of a network and the PCs on it.

A LAN's structure actually helps propagate power disruptions because the network cable becomes a conductor, propelling power glitches from one workstation to the next. For every unprotected file server, several users could lose all their work--including data already stored to disk.

As common as lost data is corrupted data. A power spike may corrupt data on only a single workstation, but when that data is then saved to the server, every user who accesses that file will be working with corrupted data.

Not all problems are caused by weather or other external forces. One of the most common sources of problems is other equipment in the same building draining power away from the network: air conditioners, copiers, fax machines, etc.

Three basic types of power protection are available for LANs. The simplest, power conditioners or surge suppressors, interface between a piece of equipment and its wall outlet. They are designed to protect against power fluctuation only and cost between $10 and $200. They do nothing to guard against brownouts or blackouts.

The second type, a standby power supply (UPS) keeps equipment running in the event of a power loss. An UPS provides battery backup power and ranges in cost from $200 to $2,300. When power is sufficient, all equipment operates normally. When voltage drops below a predetermined minimum level (usually 102 volts AC), the UPS automatically' switches over to the backup system. This switch-over causes a brief loss of power, which may last from 2 to 20 milliseconds. Like any other power disruption, this sag and momentary blackout, followed by a surge when power returns, can cause the same types of problems as brownouts, blackouts and surges.

For full protection, neither power conditioners nor UPS systems are fully adequate. To obtain full protection against the damage caused by power disruptions, one must install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). It combines all of the features of a power conditioner and an UPS. An UPS draws utility power through an inverter and then changes it back into clean, regulated AC power. At the same time, the UPS continuously charges its battery backup system. Because the source of power is constant, an UPS eliminates the switching time and associated power loss that an UPS requires to power up the battery backup system. The price range for these devices is $450 to $5,500.

An UPS only provides a brief period of protection. The next line of protection is automatic network shutdown, which protects when a power failure lasts beyond the support time of an UPS. Automatic shutdown requires the cooperation of the network. The network operating system and file servers must support the shutdown commands issued by the UPS. Normally a special cable connecting the UPS to the server's asynchronous serial port provides power loss detection. When the server detects a power loss, it begins to draw its power from the UPS, The UPS provides power for a specified period if time. If power is not restored within the programmed time, UPS controls the shutdown f the operating system and server. Responding to the UPS commands, the server will shut down all services and write all data from memory to the server hard disk. When the shutdown process is complete, the server signals the UPS to turn off. When power is restored, the server reboots and returns to normal operation.

SIRS may become available on CD-ROM

Social Issues Resource Series (SIRS), the very popular issues-oriented loose-leaf service, may become available in a CD-ROM edition. The entire collection includes 112 loose-leaf volumes of articles and reprints. The initial CD-ROM offering may be limited to the science volumes. Late 1990 is the expected publication date. Prices have not been announced. The loose-leaf volumes in the sciences are priced at $75 each. A definite distribution date and price are expected after market research is completed.

[Contact: Social Issues Resources Series, Inc., P.O. Box 2348, Boca Raton, FL 33427-2348; (407) 994-0079 or (800) 232-SIRS.]

Faulkner ships Dataworld Infodisk

Faulkner Technical Reports, Inc., has announced that it has begun shipping DataWorld Infodisk. The product, the company's first CD-ROM title, is based on DataWorld, a comprehensive reference service that covers systems, peripherals, hardware, software, and communications products for mainframe, midrange, and super-microcomputer-based systems.

In addition to articles on the trends shaping the computer and communications industries, DataWorld Infodisk includes product reviews, comparison charts, pricing data, specifications, report abstracts, and graphics.

Users can find information by simply typing in a topic, company name, or product name. Boolean AND, OR and NOT operators are supported. Keyword searching also is in-cluded. Users can display search results, print them, or save them to disk for subse-quent manipulation with a word processing or spreadsheet package. DataWorld Infodisk features menus and prompts, and includes online help. The annual subscription price is $1,995 (plus $12 shipping/handling), and includes the original disk and quarterly updates. The minimum hardware requirement is an IBM-PC or clone with 640K RAM (with 520K RAM available), one floppy drive, one hard disk, MS-DOS or PC-DOS version 3.1 or higher, and almost any CD-ROM drive.

Later this year Faulkner plans to issue a similar product for PC-based products. To be named MicroData Infodisk, the pre- publication price will be $895 ($995 after December 1990). Free demonstration disks are available.

[Contact: Faulkner Technical Reports, Inc., 114 Cooper Center, 7905 Browning Road, Pennsauken, NJ 08109-4319; (800) 843-0460; (609) 662-2070; Fax (609) 662-0905.]

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