Library Technology Guides

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Volume 11 Number 07 (July 1991)

Latest version of dos offers improved ability to manage memory

Microsoft has just released DOS 5.0, the newest version of its 10-year-old disc operating system software for IBM and compatible PCs. The program is perhaps the most significant upgrade in the history of DOS, particularly because it provides more space in a computer's memory to run programs. The new version also offers online help, has commands that can "un-delete" files and "unformat" disks. It also comes with a better manual.

The most significant advantage of DOS 5.0 is the way it manages random-access memory (RAM) on PCs with Intel 286, 386, and 486 microprocessors. A machine with one of those microprocessors is needed to take advantage of DOS 5.0's improved ability to manage memory, PCs can be equipped with vast amounts of memory, but most software programs for PCs can only run in the first 640 kilobytes (KB) , called conventional memory. Previous versions of DOS occupied from 60 to 70 KB of that memory so there was less room for other software. DOS 5.0 is able to load all but 19 KB of itself into the first 64 KB of extended memory (called the "high memory area") residing outside the main 640 KB area. That leaves more room for other programs in conventional memory.

Users of 386 and 486 machines get another advantage. DOS 5.0 can also run memory resident programs, including software required for using a mouse or accessing a local area network, outside of the first 640 KB. Freeing up that 640 KB is a boon to users of multitasking software such as Microsoft Windows. Windows is able to run several large DOS programs, each using as much as 610 KB of conventional memory. Windows and programs designed for Windows run in extended memory.

The new DOS comes with an improved DOS shell--an interface that shields the user from DOS's arcane display and commands. Instead of having to type commands, one interacts with the computer using the mouse (or arrow keys) and pull-down menus. The user is given a graphical view of the files and directories and can use the mouse to drag files from one directory to another or to copy, delete, or rename. Programs can be run by clicking on their name or selecting them from the menu. The shell can also serve as a "task switcher," allowing twa or more programs to be kept in memory at a. time.

DOS finally has an online help facility. Users can read about a command by preceding it with HELP. DOS also comes with some useful utility programs that were previously available at an extra cost. One program, Undelete, will restore erased files. Another, Unformat, can restore data to disks that were accidentally reformatted.

Upgrading to new DOS involves turning on the machine, inserting a floppy disk, typing "setup" and following the instructions.

DOS 5.0 upgrade kits, with a suggested retail price of $99.95, are available from software dealers and mail-order companies. Egghead Discount Software is offering the product for as little as $39.95 after rebate.

[Contact: Microsoft toll-free DOS 5.0 information line at 1-800-992-3675.]

LC announces book preservation plans

The Library of Congress is moving ahead with its plans to preserve its collections using commercially available mass deacidification technologies.

LC hopes to process one million books a year and extend the life of books at least three-fold (from 300 to 500 years for new books) by neutralizing the acid and by depositing an alkaline reserve (an acid neutralizer) to protect them from pollution. It will take two decades to process the 14 million books in the Library's general and law collections and all incoming books.

The Library developed and patented deacidification process and licensed the technology to the private sector through the Commerce Department in 1989. In September 1990, the Library issued a request for proposals for deacidification of its collections. The solicitation is performance-based to assure open competition from all technologies that demonstrate the capability of safely deacidifying and providing an alkaline reserve on a mass-production level.

Proposals for various processes were received in March and were evaluated by a panel of experts including library administrators, conservators, and scientists. This panel submitted its findings to the Library in June.

The Institute for Paper Science and Technology in Atlanta was chosen competitively to test and evaluate treated sets of 500 books submitted by offerors. The analyses of the results will form a part of the data to be used by the panel in selecting the best process or processes for the preservation of the Library's collections.

LC hopes to contract for mass deacidification services this summer. Assuming one year for the construction of the processing facilities, production-level deacidification of the Library's collections will begin in 1992 and continue, under this five-year contract, through 1997.

High speed access to locally mounted data bases

Libraries frustrated with the performance of ERIC, Medline, or PsycLit CD-ROM on a network may want to consider SilverPlatter's new MultiPlatter Hard Disk solution. The storage medium is a 2 to 8 GB (Gigabyte) hard disk on a drive which can be interfaced with any local library system which supports the SCSI standard. Up to 30 concurrent users can be supported with response time claimed to be 10 times faster than CD-ROM on a network. The minimum requirement for ERIC and PsycLit is 2 GB; for Medline from 1985, it is 4 GB.

Hardware is priced at $32,000 for the 2 GB configuration and $42,400 for the 4 GB configuration. In addition to the Wren VII hard disks, the configuration includes a 386-based CPU and a 6 pack CD-ROM changer to facilitate updating of the hard disks from the CD-ROM discs shipped each month.

The subscription price for ERIC, from 1982 to present, is $3,700 per year for a 15 user license and $6,500 for a 30 user license, In the second year prices drop to $2,100 and $4,200, respectively. Medline from 1985 is $2,250 per year. PsycLit has been tentatively priced at $15,980 for 1974 to the present for a 15 user license. Biosis is also being considered for future release.

[Contact: SilverPlatter Information,Inc., One Newton Executive Park, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02162-1449; (617) 969-2332, Fax (617) 969-5554.]

Licensing agreements for CD-ROMS on networks

Dealing with CD-ROM product vendors to determine the cost of licensing agreements for CDs on networks can be a trying experience. We recently went the rounds with one of the major CD-ROM vendors for two weeks trying to get an unambiguous definition for "simultaneous users," the alleged basis for network pricing for out-of-building users. Specifically, the vendor's literature reads [an] "additional 10 percent of Annual Fee [is charged] for each potential remote simultaneous user." That raises several questions. If a CD network has numerous drives and PCs, but only one copy of one CD-ROM product, is the maximum number of simultaneous users the five a single CD-ROM drive technologically can support with acceptable response time, or is it the number of simultaneous users the network can support? If the former, is it agreed that the number is five? We got no answer, but more questions about our client, our configuration, the number of ports, etc. The vendor offered to fix a price once the details about the library were known. We didn't want to identify the client, and repeated our very specific request for a definition of ''simultaneous. We said we understood that the license fee would be set in each case, but was it agreed that the number of simultaneous users of one disk would not exceed five in any event? We finally got a "yes" answer and a promise of a written confirmation. When it came, the answer was equivocal. Rather than agreeing that the performance limit of the configuration would be the basis for determining the license fee, the vendor said that it would be prepared to accept the library's representation that no more than a specified number of remote simultaneous users would be accessing the system. There was no mention of remedies if the vendor ever changed its mind about the reasonableness of the library's representation. The vendor would appear to be free to change the license fee in any subsequent year.

The reason for relating this story is not only to alert prospective licensees that they are going to have to work to get clear and reliable information from CD-ROM vendors, but also that electronic publishing remains an immature industry in which many vendors and customers alike are still feeling their way. It is essential that license terms be very carefully reviewed because the words don't yet mean the same to everyone. The definition of the number of ''simultaneous" or ''concurrent" users should be agreed to in writing and, if it is to be based on the library's representations, it should be agreed that the representation, once accepted, should be binding for at least three years.

Federal register available weekly on CD-ROM

One of the best applications of CD-ROM technology we've seen is the Compact Disk Federal Register. A single disc contains six months of the weekly publications and each week a replacement disc updates the file with the previous week's Federal Register. A second disc has the previous six months. It is possible to search by agency name, key words, phrases, or page marker citation. The print option provides for printing one screen, an entire document, or a set of documents.

The price is $1,470 for a one-year subscription. A $2,940 two-year subscription includes a free AT-compatible CD-ROM drive. Next day delivery is available as an option for an additional $624 per year ($12 per week).

[Contact: Counterpoint Publishing, 20 William Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02181-9135; (617) 236-4667; Fax (617) 235-5467.]

CD-ROM in Print on CD-ROM

The CD-ROM version of CD-ROMs in Print 1991 is now available. It provides detailed information on 1,630 titles. Entries include title, number of discs, availability, hardware and software requirements, networking options, frequency of publication, price, language, coverage, and a brief description. There is keyword subject access. The price is $175. A print version will be out in November at a cost of $49.50.

[Contact: Meckler Publishing, 11 Ferry Lane West, Westport, CT 06880; (203) 226-6967; Fax (203) 454-5840.]

EBSCO lets buyers use CD-ROM technology to order CD-ROM publications

EBSCO Publishing has announced the CD-ROM Handbook on CD-ROM. There are over 700 CD-ROM product listings covering 78 different subject areas. Users can search product listings by title, subject, publisher, price, frequency, and hardware! software specifications. Additionally, EBSCO order forms can be printed from the disc via an attached printer.

The EBSCO CD-ROM Handbook on CD-ROM is priced at $79.95.

[Contact: EBSCO Publishing, P.O. Box 1943, Birmingham, AL 35201-1943; (205) 991-6600 or (205) 991-1492.]

British newspapers on CD-ROM

The Times (of London), The Sunday Times, and The Guardian are now available on compact disc full-text from January 1990 to date. Each publication is updated quarterly. There is keyword and Boolean search access to each article, editorial, letter, and feature. Searches can be restricted by date.

The Times and Sunday Times require four discs per year. The price is $1,775 per year. The Guardian requires one disc for each year and is priced at $1,390 for 1991.

The discs may be networked at a single site without additional license fee.

[Contact: Chadwyck-Healey Inc., 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 683- 4849; toll-free (800) 752-0151; Fax (703) 683-7589.]

Columbia University press launches CD-ROM project

The Columbia Granger's World of Poetry on CD-ROM combines the indexing power of Granger's Index to Poetry with the full text of the actual poems most often anthologized. Users can read the full texts of 8,500 classic poems, 3,000 quotations from a further 1,500 famous poems, and full anthology citations for another 60,000 poems. Only an author, subject, title, first line or key words from the body of the poem are needed to locate a poem.

The CD-ROM, the first ever published by an American university press, is based on Granger's Index to Poetry, 8th edition (1986), The Columbia Granger's Index to Poetry, 9th edition (1990), The Columbia Granger's Guide to Poetry Anthologies (1990), and the Columbia Granger's Dictionary of Poetry Quotations (1991). Poems selected for inclusion on this CD-ROM are those most commonly researched.

The indexing is an extension of Granger's indexing--70,000 poems in 550 anthologies, 12,000 poets, 4,000 subjects. Four hundred of these anthologies are also described and evaluated, providing a useful collection development tool.

The Columbia Granger's World of Poetry operates on MS/DOS, using IMPACT by Auto-Graphics, Inc. IMPACT is a user-friendly, full-text retrieval package. It is menu-driven and simple enough for public use without training, while also offering an advanced version with Boolean searching for the professional. Access to the program itself is as easy as loading the disc, typing GRANGER, and pressing ENTER. Toll-free technical support is available.

The Columbia Granger's World of Poetry on CD-ROM is priced at $699. Periodic updates are planned.

Computer Requirements: IBM XT, 286, 386, or fully compatible computer; PC/MS-DOS version 3.0 or higher; 640K primary memory (RAM); CD-ROM Drive using Microsoft extensions version 1.0 or higher.

[Contact: Columbia University Press, 562 West 113th Street, New York, NY 10025; (212) 316-7127; ISBN #0-231-07672-X.]

Pioneer introduces CD-ROM minichanger

Pioneer has introduced an inexpensive CD-ROM jukebox which can accommodate up to six CD-ROM drives. The device, known as the Pioneer Minichanger, lists for $1,395, but is available for $1,050 to $1,145 after discount. The Minichanger supports the standard ISO 9660 file format for interface through a SCSI interface to IBM-PCs, Macintosh, and other platforms. Up to seven minichangers can be daisy-chained from the same controller to provide access to 42 discs.

[Contact: Pioneer at 1-800-LASER-ON to obtain the name of the nearest dealer.]

Dynix to build new home office

Dynix has outgrown its present location in East Bay and is anticipating the move to larger headquarters. The company plans to build a new 90,000-96,000 square foot building, to be located on 25 acres in the RiverWoods Research and Business Park in northeast Provo. Construction will begin this summer and completion of the new corporate headquarters is projected for April of 1992. The building will accommodate Dynix's 350 home office staff.

[Contact: Dynix, Inc., 151 East 1700 South, Provo, UT 84606; (801) 375-2770; Fax (801) 373-1889.]

Gaylord announces networking products

Gaylord Information Systems has introduced a line of library automation networking products called SuperNET. SuperNET includes three products: SuperLINK, SuperSEARCH, and SuperSHARE.

SuperLINK provides online communication among Gaylord's integrated library system, GALAXY, and other systems via Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and National Information Standards Organization (NISO) standard communication protocols. Electronic mail (X.400) , file transfers (FTAM), and online public access catalog communication (Z39.50) are now available with SuperLINK for comprehensive networking solutions among consortia, regional, and statewide groups of libraries.

SuperSEARCH provides an extended data base to GALAXY's Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) users by giving them immediate access to a variety of CD-ROM reference data bases. With SuperSEARCH, GALAXY OPAC users are able to access popular CD-ROM data bases, such as those available via WILSONDISC and InfoTrac, as well as local bibliographic holdings information. Library users will no longer need to jump from one PC to another, but instead may conduct research at a single GALAXY System OPAC terminal. SuperSEARCH also enables other PC-DOS applications to be run simultaneously on the GALAXY System Ethernet network.

SuperSHARE is a system interface which provides for the easy sharing of data files among GALAXY and other academic or local computer systems. SuperSHARE, for example, enables student files and financial files to be transferred between the GALAXY System and university administrative systems.

[Contact: Gaylord Bros., Box 4901, Syracuse, NY 13221-1409; (315) 457-5070; (800) 962-9580; Fax (315) 457-8387.]

Gaylord announces networking products

Information Dimensions, Inc. (IDI) has announced the addition of the Image Series to BASISplus, its document management and retrieval system. The Image Series adds image management capabilities to BASISplus by providing hypertext links between text stored in BASISp1us document data bases and images residing on Xerox, FileNet, LaserData, Digital Equipment Corp., and Unisys image management systems.

The Image Series consists of four modules: IS/Image Presenter for display o± images; IS/Image Connect to enable hypertext links to be traversed by text and images; IS/Image Integrator for tight integration between BASISplus and image management systems; and IS/Image Toolkit for development of third party presenters, hyperlinks between third party applications and the IS/Image Presenter module and connections between both desktop applications and network services to BASISplus.

BASISp1us runs on Digital VAX/VMS platforms, IBM VM and MVS; CDC 4000 EP/IX; and Sun, Hewlett-Packard, and Unisys Unix-based systems. First copy license cost for BASISp1us begins at $5,000, depending on CPU and number of users. The Image Serie begins at $500. The Image Series is scheduled for shipment in the third quarter of 1991.

Information Dimensions, Inc., also has announced the release of the ULTRIX/ RISC version of BASISplus. The new release provides content-based retrieval of text and images on Digital RISC DECstations and DECsystem workstations. It supports Digital's NAS architecture and joins the IDI family of UNIX-based versions of BASISplus for Sun, Hewlett-Packard, Control Data, and Unisys systems. Shipment of the ULTRIX/RISC version of BASISp1us is scheduled for the third quarter of 1991.

In addition to UNIX-based platforms, BASISplus runs on Digital VAX/VMS and IBM VM and MVS platforms. First copy license cost for BASISplus begins at $5,000, depending on CPU and number of users.

[Contact: Information Dimensions, Inc., 655 Metro Place South, Dublin, OH 43017-1396; (800) 328-2648 or (614) 761-8083.]

Miele to head IME

Madeline F. Miele, formerly Vice President of Sales and Marketing, has been named President of IME Systems, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of IME Limited. Miele replaces Gene Robinson, who resigned.

Miele joined IME Systems in 1989 as its senior sales and marketing executive. Before joining IME, Miele served as Manager, Business Planning, for CLSI.

[Contact: IME Systems, Inc., 990 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026; (617) 320-0303; Fax (617) 320-0793.]

Inmagic announces SearchMagic software for DEC VAX

Inmagic Inc., has released INMAGIC version 7.2 for DEC VAX and MicroVAX. INMAGIC 7.2 adds the ability to change many records at once, expanded display and report options, simplified data base building, and more. These new capabilities enhance Inmagic's established features of unlimited record and field length, multi-ple repeating fields, the ability to search for words or word stems anywhere in the text, and combined support for both English and foreign language text.

INMAGIC software was designed to han-dle textual information of varying amounts INMAGIC features unlimited field and re-cord length, multiple repeating fields, flexible report generator, and the ability to search and sort information according to users own criteria.

Inmagic has also released SearchMAGIC search-only software for DEC VAX and MicroVAX. SearchMAGIC is a searching front-end designed for use with data bases created with INMAGIC.

SearchMAGIC gives new or occasional INMAGIC users the ability to find informa-tion quickly, without learning search com-mands or anything about the structure or contents of data bases.

SearchMAGIC features data base selec-tion menus, fill-in-the-blank search screens and help screens, all capable of being customized to meet various users needs. Search terms may be chosen from a browse list of current entries, then pasted into search requests without re- keying. Search results may be displayed in both brief and full formats. SearchMAGIC also offers access to full INMAGIC command-driven searching for more complex searches.

SearchMAGIC encourages the sharing of information outside an organization as well as within because SearcbMAGIC cannot be used to alter or create data bases, it protects valuable information against accidental or unauthorized changes.

INMAGIC ranges in price from $3,850 to $21,500. The price of SearchMAGIC for DEC VAX/MicroVAX ranges from $1,350 to $9,200.

[Contact: Inmagic, Inc., 2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140; (617) 661- 8124; Fax (617) 661-6901.]

New product releases prom Faxon

The Faxon Company has released an updated version of MicroLinx, the PC-based serials management control service it first introduced in 1986. MicroLinx 4.0 includes a holdings compression and purge utility. This utility allows the library to remove outdated check-in lines and invoice records and to automatically create a comprehensive holdings statement for each copy.

Additional features included in this release are: enhanced performance and internal error detection; new option on summary holdings report to suppress the last issue received; new security level to allow "view only" access to maintenance screens; and faster handling of check-in lines marked for deletion.

Faxon has also introduced Faxon Manager, a comprehensive serials management service. Faxon Manager provides automated serials check-in, direct electronic access to Faxon for claiming and claims responses, routing and binding capabilities, and an online serials public access catalog (S-PAC).

This first release of Faxon Manager, Version 1, consists of three major components: the core service, which enables predictive check-in, public access to the S-PAC online serials public access catalog, and management reporting; RouteLinx, an optional module which provides reader and route slip maintenance; and BindLinx, an optional module to track issues through binding and reshelving.

Faxon Manager offers an improved user interface, enhancing efficiency and accuracy of serials data entry. With S-PAC and the use of EDI and MARC standards wherever they are applicable, Faxon Manager is intended to play a pivotal role in linking all parties in the serials process: readers, librarians, vendors, and publishers.

The system will be offered in two modes: service bureau mode, with which clients dial in to Faxon's computers to access Faxon Manager; and standalone mode, installed at a client site on a VMS-based VAX computer of any size. Version 1 of the standalone system will be available October 1991. The service bureau mode and Version 2 of the standalone mode will not be available until late 1992. Prices have not yet been announced.

It is predicted that future versions of Faxon Manager will include additional components such as UnionLinx, an optional Union List service, and ordering, renewal, and invoicing functions to aid in collection development, budgeting, and financial transactions.

[Contact: The Faxon Company, 15 Southwest Park, Westwood, MA 02090; (617) 329-3350; Fax (617) 329-9875.]

Fiscal term rental

A new method of acquiring library automation systems and electronic equipment--Fiscal Term Rental (FTR) --is becoming popular with libraries and consortia with limited capital budgets. Originally developed to facilitate the acquisition of expensive photocopiers by government agencies, FTR is a short-term rental agreement. It is usually activated by a short-term purchase order covering only the time from delivery to the end of the current fiscal year, and is renewable for a number of years. FTR differs from a municipal lease in that it is written one year at a time, rather than for several years, and it involves less paperwork, and often, a simpler approval process. FTR is similar to a municipal lease in that both involve no continuing obligation in case of non-appropriation. The rates also are comparable.

The only firm known to LSN to be assisting with the acquisition of a variety of automated library systems in this way is Peabody, Berkeley-Rives of Owings Mills, Maryland, although the approach may soon become commonplace.

[Contact: Peabody, Berkeley-Rives, One Corporate Center, Suite 400, Owings Mills, MD 21117-5577; (301) 356-8858; Fax (301) 356-8804.]

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