Library Technology Guides

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Volume 11 Number 11 (November 1991)

FirstSearch launched

A new online reference tool for end-users is now available from OCLC. The FirstSearch Catalog is a relatively low-cost, easy-to-use reference system that library patrons can use to search the OCLC Online Union Catalog, as well as a variety of reference data bases.

The FirstSearch interface was designed by OCLC staff for end-users and it provides simple directions for selecting the data base to be searched and type of search desired--subject, author, title, or other specific indexes. Online help is extensive.

Six data bases are currently mounted on FirstSearch: WorldCat, the 24-million-record OCLC Online Union Catalog with its more than 400 million location listings; ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center); GPO Monthly Catalog; Consumers Index to Product Evaluations; BIOSIS/FS, a data base created for FirstSearch that is derived from the Biological Abstracts portion of BIOSIS Previews; and Mini GeoRef, the most recent five years of GeoRef. Additional data bases will be added regularly, including 17 H.W. Wilson Company data bases. FirstSearch is priced by the search, with an institution's per-search price determined by the total number of searches purchased. The per-search price ranges from $.45 when 80,000 or more searches are purchased, to $.90 when 500 searches are purchased. Searches are sold in blocks of 500.

Libraries have the option to purchase FirstSearch cards for distribution to patrons in denominations of 10 or 25 searches per card. Libraries may offer FirstSearch as a free service or recoup costs by charging for FirstSearch cards or passwords.

Patrons with Internet access can use FirstSearch from terminals in their homes or offices with either their assigned FirstSearch authorization and password or their FirstSearch card.

Personal Computers or OCLC workstations can be used to access FirstSearch, as well as several telecommunications methods: OCLC dedicated-line, dial access, or the Internet. Institutions may also offer FirstSearch via their Online Public Access Catalog or Local Area Network, linked to OCLC with an OCLC Communications Controller.

Hours of operation for the service are: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Eastern Time. Additionally, Internet access is available on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., Eastern Time.

It is currently available to OCLC member institutions that contribute to the OCLC Online Union Catalog: full members, tapeloading members, Major Microforms and CONSER participants, Serials Union List participants, and Selective Users. It is also available to library schools. As of late October, more than 80 libraries were using FirstSearch. If OCLC is able to up several thousand libraries, it will dramatically broaden its revenue base. Thus assuring greater long-term financial stability for the bibliographic utility.

The cost of FirstSearch data bases is not only lower than that offered by Dialog and other data base services, but appears to be cost competitive with CD-ROM technology.

[Contact: OCLC, Inc., 6565 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 430l7-3395; (614) 764-4000; Fax (614) 764-6096.]

New customers for DRA

Data Research Associates, Inc., has installed an ATLAS system at the Library Management Network, Inc., a 13-member multi-type consortium based in Huntsville, Alabama. The LMN was formed to offer access to the collective resources of the North Alabama region to all of its member libraries. Current members include public libraries, junior college libraries, high school libraries, and one cooperative multi-type library system. The combined collections number 940,000 items. The libraries circulate more than 2.7 million items a year.

The turnkey installation, a conversion from CLSI, includes a DEC VAX 4300 processor supporting 120 dedicated terminals. Data Research software on the system includes modules for circulation, public access, acquisitions, MARC data base cataloging and authority control, report writer, and OCLC and BiblioFile interfaces.

DRA also has signed a contract to automate the E.H. Little Library of Davidson College, a 1,500 student liberal arts college located in Davidson, North Carolina. The E.H. Little Library has holdings of approximately 264,000 titles and 375,000 volumes.

The initial phase of this software-only installation includes DRA software for public access, acquisitions, journal citation, MARC data base cataloging and authority control, report writer, and interfaces to Baker & Taylor and OCLC. The second phase, to be installed in mid-1992, will include modules for serials control and circulation.

The system is licensed for 96 simultaneous users and is connected to the campus network. Three classroom buildings have been wired to the network so that professors may access the catalog from their offices, and eventually the network will include dormitory rooms. The system was financed largely from gifts from the Duke Endowment.

DRA also has signed a contract to automate the Ruben Salazar Library of Sonoma State University, located in Rohnert Park, California, a publicly supported university with an enrollment of 7,800. The Ruben Salazar Library has holdings of approximately 417,000 volumes. Its cataloq is available via Internet.

The software-only installation, a conversion from CLSI, includes Data Research modules for public access, circulation, MARC data base cataloging and authority control, report writer, and interface to OCLC.

[Contact: Data Research Associates, 1276 North Warson Road, P.O. Box 8495, St. Louis, MO 63132-1806; (800) 325-0886 or (314) 432-1100; Fax (314) 993-8927.]

GEAC quarterly net up

Geac Computer Corporation Ltd., posted its first quarter results for the period ending July 31. Revenues for the first quarter of this fiscal year were $19.7 million, an increase of 18 percent over revenues of $16.8 million in last years first quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to the J&E and Fact businesses acquired at the end of last year's second quarter.

Net income for the quarter was $1.1 million, more than double the $.05 million net income in last year's first quarter. Operating margins (pretax income less interest income) increased to $1.1 million or 5.5 percent of sales compared to $.O2 million or 1.3 percent of sales.

Geac has been quite successful in marketing its ADVANCE automated library system in Europe, especially France, and now is actively seeking to regain the market share it lost in North America as the result of its financial difficulties three and four years ago.

[Contact: Geac Computer Corporation Limited, Markham Corporate Campus, Suite 300, 11 Allstate Parkway, Markham, Ontario, L3R 9T8 Canada; (416) 475-0525; Fax (416) 475-3847; or Geac Computer Corporation, 14140 Midway Road, Suite 105, Dallas, TX 75244; (214) 490-3482; Fax (214) 960-9728.]

CJK on a local library system

Columbia University Law Library has implemented CJK (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) display on its INNOPAC patron access catalog. The CJK characters are displayed on specially-equipped PCs operating as system terminals. Innovative Interfaces' INNOPAC System is one of several local library systems which store CJK records, but appears to be the only one to support their display. The implementation comes at the same time as a $1.5 million donation from Toshiba Corporation to establish the Toshiba Library for Japanese Legal Research in the Columbia Law School Library.

[Contact: James L. Hoover, Law School Library, Columbia University, 435 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027-7297; or Innovative Interfaces, Inc., 2344 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710; (800) 444-2344 or (415) 644-3600; Fax (415) 644-3650.]

NOTIS Pac Link utilizes NISO Z39.50

NOTIS Systems has shipped PACLink, its Z39.50-based linkage software, to Indiana University and the State University of New York Graduate Centers. The product will be tested in Indiana by Indiana University (Bloomington) and Indiana State University (Terre Haute). SUNY-Binghamton and SUNY- Stony Brook will test the software in New York. The first general release of PACLink is scheduled for the first half of 1992.

PACLink permits a library user at a local online public access catalog (OPAC) to make a seamless connection to an OPAC at a remote library. The user simply selects from a menu and searches the remote OPAC in exactly the same way as the local OPAC. Bibliographic data retrieved from the remote OPAC displays in exactly the same way as the local OPAC.

PACLink is based on the NISO Z39.50 standard, Information Retrieval Service Division and Protocol Specification for Library Applications, and utilizes client! server architecture. Initially, connections between PACLink sites are via the TCP/IP-based Internet.

While it is possible to run Z39.50 with the top three layers of OSI and use a TCP/IP network, NOTIS has chosen not to do this for several reasons. NOTIS plans to deliver the needed functionality for inter-system searching from the OPAC just slightly over a year after the project started. If using OSI had been factored into the project, it would have considerably extended the delivery of phase 1 functionality.

NOTIS is aware of the requirement by its customers to provide the functionality to search non-NOTIS sites from the local OPAC. Future releases of PACLink will address this need. In order to do this, several additions will need to be made to the PACLink product.

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

On Point, Inc. joins PC market

ON POINT, Inc., has released an integrated library management software package for IBM and compatible PCs called TLC (Total Library Computerization). The product is designed to meet the needs and budgetary limitations of small to midsize libraries. Individual modules for cataloging, circulation, interlibrary loan, acquisitions, serials control, and retrieval of internal work product may be purchased separately. TLC also handles financial accounting and statistical recordkeeping. Unfortunately, the system does not support the MARC format.

TLC is a completely menu-driven system. Each module opens with main menu screens from which the user runs a program or selects the update menu. The update menu provides access to programs for addeng, editing, preparation of forms and/or labels, transfer and storage of records, and online help. Selection is made with the ENTER key. The ESCAPE key returns the user to the program menu.

TLC is claimed to require little training. In fact, the circulation module supports self-charging. The minimum hardware requirement is a 286-based IBM-PC or a clone with 640KB of main memory and a hard disk drive. The operating system is MS-DOS and the data manager is Seaside Software's askSam.

The price of the software is $2,050 for all modules. Individual modules are $500 to $550 each. [Contact: On Point, Inc., 2606 36th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20007, Attn: Sue Boley; (202) 338-8914.]

National Library of Canada signs with Dynix

Dynix, Inc., announced the signing of a contract with the National Library of Canada to automate the Library's acquisition, serials control, and circulation functions. Project work will involve providing access to the system on National Library of Canada LANs, downloading records from DOBIS, training staff, implementing the operational modules and barcoding of the National Library collection. The Library contains over 1.3 million bibliographic records.

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

Dynix introduces quick reference cards

Dynix, Inc., announced Quick Reference Cards for their cataloging, circulation, homebound, and media scheduling modules; and all other basic functions and features of the Dynix automated library system. Designed to be placed in a 2 1/2" by 5" rolodex, the cards provide a quick way for library staff to access information. Libraries can add cards describing their ~ procedures, customizing the set for each individual library.

Quick Reference Cards are available from Dynix for $15.00 per set. Libraries using other vendors' systems may want to experiment with the concept because Dynix customers report that the Quick Reference Cards are much more convenient than manuals.

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

Dial-up access to CD-ROM catalog

The Library Corporation has announced DialCat which can provide dial-up access to a CD-ROM-based public access catalog for off site patrons through a PC and modem. DialCat uses the same search options and features as BiblioFile's Intelligent Catalog. It supports transmission rates up to 9600 bps (bits per second). The purchase price of $3,500 includes all necessary hardware and software. Annual hardware and software support, including up to 12 CD-ROM catalog updates and a toll-free help line is $695.

[Contact: The Library Corporation, Research Park, Inwood, WV 25428; (304) 229-0100 or (800) 624-0559; Fax (304) 229-0295.]

VTLS to install on IBM platforms

VTLS has signed two customers (Samford University and New Hanover County Public Library) for its VTLS software designed for IBM's VM operating system, a popular operating system of the IBM 370 family of minis and mainframes. The range of computers begins with the 9370 and continues through the 3090 machines. The product is functionally the same as that installed on scores of Hewlett-Packard 3000 series machines. Available modules include acquisitions, serials control, cataloging (with authority control), circulation, and patron access catalog.

Samford will install the software in the University's AMDAHL 5860, a 370-compatible machine, by mid-1992. There will be 91 users supported. New Hanover County Public Library will install the software on an IBM 4361, Model 5. The system will support approximately 60 terminals and 12 PCs. Installation is expected to be completed in early 1992.

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

Promoting conservation and waste reduction

Earlier this year one of the major local library system vendors sent a letter to scores of prospective customers and consultants urging conservation of resources and reduction of waste by limiting the number of copies required to be submitted in response to a library automation RFP to no more than five. We heartily agreed, and have sought to comply. We are distressed that some libraries continue to seek as many as 20 copies of vendor proposals. We recently weighed all of the copies received by one client requiring 14 copies. The proposals of the six vendors submitting responses added up to over 300 pounds! Since few persons planned to read the entire proposal, choosing instead to focus on their areas of expertise, it would have been possible to split up a few copies among all of the interested parties.

Used IBM RS/6000 equipment

We have recently been asked for a source of used IBM RS/6d00 equipment. The RS/6000 is now the most popular hardware platform for local library systems. We suggest contacting Computer Marketplace, a company which claims to have the nation's largest inventory of used RS/6000s. The price generally is half that of new equipment. Be sure to specify that the equipment must be certified as eligible for IBM maintenance. Also, be aware that some vendors of local library systems charge more for their software if they do not make the hardware sale.

[Contact: Computer Marketplace, 205 East 5th Street, Corona, CA 91719; (800) 858-1144; Fax (714) 735-5717.]

SISAC symbol supported now

The following multi-user system vendors are now able to scan the SISAC Symbol for serials check-in or have committed to developing the capability:

CLSI	Geac
Comstow	Innovative Interfaces
DRA	NOTIS
Data Trek	SIRSI
Dynix	VTLS

At least ten major publishers, including Academic, Elsevier and Wiley include the symbols on their journals.

Scanning the SISAC label on a journal eliminates the need to key-in the title, thus significantly speeding the check-in process.

Library Automation Style Guide

Gaylord has issued Library Automation Style Guide, a pocket-size guide to terms and phrases used in library automation. Both definitions and usage are given. Complimentary copies are available by calling 1-800-962-9580.

[Contact: Gaylord Information Systems, P.O. Box 4901, Syracuse, NY 13221; (315) 457-5070 or (800) 962-9580.]

EDI explained

Ameritech Information Systems has issued a useful booklet, entitled Electronic Information Exchange, for persons who want to learn about computer-to-computer communication in standard formats. Already used by publishers and jobbers, EDI may become the basis for electronic exchange between libraries and their suppliers. The booklet includes an excellent glossary. There is no charge, but the supply is limited.

[Contact: Ameritech Information Systems, 4950 Blazer Memorial Parkway, Dublin, OH 43017-3384; (800) 544-5446 or (614) 764- 6039; Fax (614) 764-0723.]

Training for automation

The Systems and Procedures Exchange" Center (SPEC) of the Association of Resea.ch Libraries has published a kit, entitled "Training of Technical Services Staff in an Automated Environment." The 157-page kit includes planning and training documents from several research libraries.

The SPEC Kit, #171 in the series, is priced at $30 ($20 for ARt members).

[Contact: Association of Research Libraries, Office of Management Services, 1527 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036, Attn: Stacie Steinke; (202) 232- 8656; Fax (202) 462-7849.]

Current Contents on diskette

We recently had a chance to work with Current Contents on diskette, a product of ISI. Not only does it provide a weekly service from which one can print that which meets a particular user's needs, 'but one can set up and save a custom search profile to run each week against the new article.

Keyword searching is particularly useful because it includes access to keywords in an article's bibliography. The product is available in six multi-disciplinary areas. Each is priced at $365 per year, except life sciences, for which there are two levels of coverage at $320 and $495 per year, respectively.

There also is an option which provides abstracts with the service. The price for it is $795 for all except the life sciences, Which is priced at $995 per year.

The diskettes can be on 3.5" or 5.25" including format for IBM PCs or clones; and Macintosh 3.5". A two-week trial review is available without charge.

[Contact: Institute for Scientific Information, 3501 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (800) 336-4474 or (215) 386-0100; Fax (215) 386-6362.]

Upgrading a 286

Few libraries can face the financial or political consequences of replacing 286 PCs with 386's, yet more and more applications require 386 processor speed. While in-board enhancement products have been around for years, most took up a slot on the motherboard and were difficult to install. There are now products which avoid both.

The most versatile product appears to be Stat X SX from AOX. It sandwiches Intel Corporation's 386 SM CPU with ACM's caching chip to increase the processing speed to as high as 20 14Hz. The price is $329. The product slips into the pinouts of the old 286 clip without requiring a bus slot or callers.

Be sure to specify the exact make and model of the PC to be upgraded because there are slightly different designs for some IBM-PC clones. Also, be careful about ordering the more widely advertised competing product from Intel, the Snap In 386. It only works on the IBM PS/2 models 50 and 60.

[Contact: AOX Corporation, 486 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA 02154; (617) 890-4402.]

UPSes for PC LANs

PC LANs used for circulation and patron access catalogs in libraries should have the same power line protection as multi-user systems on supermicros, minis, and mainframes because power failures and spikes 'can devastate hardware and data. Brownouts (reduction in voltage of 20 percent or more) and blackouts are particularly damaging to data. In a typical UPS, the battery is switched in when the power line voltage drops or exceeds the normal threshold values. Most UPSes (uninterruptible power supplies) will let a file server or a LAN know when it is necessary to shut down gradually. Rated back-up time for an UPS may vary from as little as two minutes to as much as two hours.

While most UPSes have a built-in power conditioner to protect against surges and spikes, that is not their principal purpose.

The typical retail price on an UPS suitable for a LAN is $399 to $1,099.

PC rentals

Libraries which need several PCs for a short-term project should consider renting. There now are PC rental companies in most major cities. The largest chain is BusinessLand Rents, an affiliate of BusinessLand. The typical rate is $40 a day for a 286-based machine, and $50 a day for a 386-based machine. Most include a modem, if required. Substantially lower rates are available for weekly and monthly rentals.

Finding sources of funds

The Foundation Center, the leading source of information on foundation grants, has published a special reference work for libraries seeking grants, entitled The National Guide to Funding for Libraries in Information Services. The $75 volume has extensive indexes to facilitate the identification of 395 foundations with an interest in funding specific types of programs in libraries. There are over 800 descriptions of grants which have previously been made. The guide is useful for identifying possible sources of funds for library automation and other information technologies.

[Contact: The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003-3020; (800) 424-9836; Fax (212) 807-3677.]

LITA scheduled

LITA (Library and Information Technology Association) will hold its Third National Conference in Denver, Colorado on September 13-17, 1992. The theme will be "Information Technology: It's for Everyone."

[Contactt LITA, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611; (800) 545-2433.]

Inmagic is leading PC choice in Canada

According to the fifth annual survey of public, special, and academic libraries conducted by the Canadian Library Journal (June 1991), 64 percent of Canadian libraries installing PC-based systems in 1990 chose INMAGIC. Its nearest competitor, EDIBASE garnered 21 percent of new installations. Eloquent and Columbia followed with tour percent, respectively.

INMAGIC retained its leadership position of total market share for all PC- based systems in Canadian libraries through 1990. Some 68 percent of total installations are INMAGIC systems, with its nearest competitor, EDIBASE holding just nine percent market share. Sydney and Columbia followed with six and five percent, respectively. INMAGIC is strongest in the special library sector. The academic and public library markets, which consist primarily of multiuser systems, was dominated by Dynix, MutiLIS, and Innovative.

Inmagic, Inc., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, developed INMAGIC textbase software in 1980. Libraries most commonly use INMAGIC to create online catalogs as well as to manage serials, acquisitions and circulation. The software currently has over 10,000 installations in more than 50 countries, but only a minority of customers appear to have implemented multi-function, integrated library systems.

National Online meeting in New York

The 13th National Online Meeting has been scheduled for May 5-7, 1992, at the 'New York Hilton. The Integrated Online Library Systems Conference (IOLS '92) will be held concurrently on May 6 and 7, 1992.

[For information about either meeting, contact: Learned Information, Inc., 143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055; (609) 654-6266; Fax (609) 654-4309.]

CD-ROM best sellers

The top three selling CD-ROM products in the second quarter of 1991 were the Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia, Microsoft Bookshelf, and U.S. History on CD-ROM. The data was compiled by the Bureau of Electronic Publishing.

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