Library Technology Guides

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Volume 2 Number 02 (February 1982)

New chip under development

A memory semiconductor that will hold over 500KB of information is under development by Condesin, Inc., of Freeport, TX. Currently, the most memory commercially available on a single silicon chip is 64KB.

A prototype chip will be commercially available by 1984. According to the company, the chip will be priced at $100. This development will make it possible to build more powerful computers at less cost. The greatest effect may be to place powerful personal micros within the reach of people with average incomes.

New serials control system announced

MetaMicro, a turnkey vendor of automated library systems founded in 1980, has announced a turnkey serials control system. It is a microcomputer-based system that provides the procedures that are needed to control serials in all but the largest libraries.

The system supports check-in, routing, automatic claiming, binding, financial control, and duplicates control. It can accommodate full-MARC records; full-MARC authority records can also be loaded. No other information was available in mid-January.

The system uses the Lear Siegler ADM-42 terminal, that firm's top-of-the-line terminal. Up to five terminals may be used on a single micro. The micro selected is the Southwest Technical Products Corp.'s S/09, a micro built around the Motorola 6809 microprocessor. The memory starts at 128K Bytes and is expandable up to 768KB.

The secondary memory currently consists of two 8 inch floppy disk drives which accommodate 1.2M Bytes each and a 16 or 32MB Winchester disk drive. Another soon-to-be-available data storage device for the S/09 is a streaming tape drive that will facilitate backing-up the hard disks. The capacity of each tape will be around 20MB. This piece of equipment will be available about the middle' of 1982.

The Sanders Technology Media 12/7 printer is used on the Serials Control System. This printer uses a "dot matrix" technique to produce letter-quality printing at speeds of from 30 to 240 characters per second depending on the font used.

The Serials Control System is written in the modern structured language Pascal and runs under Technical System Consultants' UniFLEX operating system. This microcomputer operating system was patterned after Bell Laboratories' UNIX operating system. Enhancements such as file and password protection were undertaken to make UniFLEX more "user friendly."

MetaMicro provides maintenance on all of the equipment it sells for the Serials Control System. It recommends that each customer purchase an auto-answer modem which MetaMicro can use for remote diagnostics of both hardware and software. Maintenance will usually consist of swapping complete components or printed circuit boards when feasible.

MetaMicro plans to provide interfaces with any other library system that agrees to cooperate with such an interface. Knowing that a stand-alone serials system does not meet the libraries' needs for "totally integrated" library systems, they will aggressively pursue interfaces with shared bibliographic services, circulation systems, and others. An interface with OCLC is already planned through the OCLC terminal' s serial printer port. MetaMicro has also worked with MARCIVE in San Antonio to transfer MARC records from their IBM computer to MetaMicro' s computer. This interface will enable MetaMicro to take MARC records on tape from any source and convert them into a form usable by the Serials Control System.

[Contact: MetaMicro Library Systems, Inc., 1818 San Pedro, San Antonio, Texas 78212. (512) 736-9309.]

Insurance for minis

An all-risk insurance policy for minicomputers used in offices and libraries is now available from the U.S. Insurance Group. In addition to flood, water and earthquake coverage not generally available, the minicomputer policy includes coverage for reproduction of data and media; extra expense to enable the organization to rent computer time or equipment; 60-day coverage for equipment moved to a new location, and debris removal.

[Contact: USIG-Elroy J. Dyksen. 299 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.]

Micro memories increased to 1MB

Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) has announced a new high-end version of the "PDP-ll/23" microcomputer featuring up to 1MB (1 megabyte) of primary memory. Prices for the new processor start at $8,500.

Deliveries are scheduled for late spring, 1982. [Contact: Digital Equipment Corp., Maynard, Mass. 01754.]

Datamac Computer Systems almost simultaneously announced a printed circuit board that will allow users of the International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) "Personal Computer" to put together larger, more flexible systems. The printed circuit board can be inserted into slots in the Personal Computer and can expand its primary memory up to 1MB. The new board will also permit users of the IBM microcomputer to choose from a wider range of operating systems, languages and business packages.

The largest expansion board previously available for the IBM personal computer was 64,000 bytes. Because the computer has only five slots for both memory expansion and peripherals, users who need more memory to run larger programs have had to sacrifice system flexibility. The new expansion board starts at $499 per 64KB of additional memory. It is available immediately.

[Contact: Datamac Computer Systems, 630 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086.]

Local telephone rates to rise

At least four rounds of increases in local telephone rates amounting to a doubling of costs for telecommunications can be expected over the next few years, according to telecommunications economist Alan Pearce. And the reason American Telephone & Telegraph Co. (AT&T) will give for the rate hikes is deregulation.

The restructuring of AT&T, the accounting changes mandated by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress, customer premises equipment write-offs, and the loss of cross-subsidy between long-distance and local services will cost users more of their telecommunications budgets, Pearce told the Local Carrier Network Conference in November, 1981. This is an important development for libraries which have been relying on local telephone systems to interconnect libraries and/or branches sharing an automated library system. The current average rates of $3.00-4.00 per mile per month will rise to at least $7.00 per mile per month. The solution may be a much greater reliance on telecommunications hardware that makes it possible for terminals to share lines. A future issue of LSN will feature an article on telecommunications hardware.

Electronic mail protocol proposed

The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) has issued a proposed protocol that would allow different computer-based message systems or electronic mail to exchange messages.

The protocol contains format and content features only; it does not address the functions or services provided to users by an electronic mail system.

The proposed protocol separates information into fields that are converted into a standard format on leaving the originator's electronic mail system. The message is then converted to the recipient's format on entering the recipient's mail system.

Copies of the proposed standard can be obtained from the Director, Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology, National Bureau of Standards, Attn: MFCBMS, Washington, D.C. 20234.

Grants database available

"Grants," a database containing listings and abstracts of grants offered by government agencies (local, state and federal), corporations, associations, and foundations has been added to the on-line network of Dialog. About 80 subject areas are covered, including education, health, humanities, life and physical sciences, and social sciences. The database is the counterpart of the Oryx Press printed grant reference service known as the "Grants Information System."

The price for searching in the database is $60 per connect hour and $.30 for each full record printed off-line.

More on labels

We recently reported that some libraries have had problems with CODABAR labels produced by a major supplier. Three libraries have since called to tell us that they too have had bad experiences. There are apparently two types of problems: (1) loosening of the labels under extremely dry atmospheric conditions, and (2) seeping of the adhesive from between a label and its mylar protective covering. The former problem can be solved by putting a mylar patch over the label. In the latter case, the adding of the mylar is actually the cause of the problem, but only under special conditions of high heat and/or pressure. Patrons who carry their identification cards in wallets in their hip pockets may create just such circumstances of heat and pressure. When the adhesive on the mylar patch oozes out, it makes the identification card stick to everything.

The libraries in dry areas have been provided with free mylar patches and those with sticky labels have been given free replacement labels, but the problems themselves have apparently not disappeared.

Telephone options for noisy environments

CLSI recently gave its users some good advice in response to system operators' complaints that they cannot hear well when using the telephone because of the noise level in the area near their systems. Users of other systems may find the suggestions useful.

The simplest device, says CLSI, is a rubber ear-cup available from most stationary stores. Designed as a cushion, this cup actually cuts out environmental noise and is available at a low cost. Another alternative, available from the telephone company, involves a volume control on the telephone handset. This control may be adjusted to individual comfort or need and is the one in use at CLSI. The local telephone company can provide availability and monthly rental information. A third alternative is a telephone amplifier for the hearing impaired. These are normally available at local RADIO SHACK or other electronic supply stores and have the benefit of a one-time cost rather than a monthly rental charge.

Innovative Interfaces' acquisitions system

Innovative Interfaces Inc. has developed a new acquisition system called the INNOVACQ SYSTEM 100. Building on the experience gained in developing and installing OCLC-CLSI interfaces, the Innovative Interfaces system incorporates a computer with multiple processing units and user-friendly terminals. The system offers a variety of approaches-author, title, series, ISBN, etc.-to the on-order and in-process files and provides funds accounting and management reporting facilities.

The University of California at Riverside has placed the first order for the INNOVACQ SYSTEM 100 which was displayed at ALA Midwinter.

[Contact: Innovative Interfaces Inc., 2827 Palm Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. (415) 524-8416.]

Used microcomputer listing service formed

Users of microcomputers now have an alternative to the classified ad sections of local newspapers when they want to buy or sell used equipment. THE USED COMPUTER EXCHANGE provides a listing service to put qualified buyers in direct contact with sellers. Customers pay $5 for quotes on completed transactions and full current listings. Sellers pay a 5 percent commission only if a sale is made through the Exchange. A monthly report, the "Used Micro Trends Report,"

costs $6.75 per single issue or $60 per year. The Exchange lists hardware that originally sold for $400 to $25,000.

[Contact: Bruce Lynch, 800/327-9191.]

Atari founds computer research institute

Atari Inc. has announced the founding of the Atari Institute for Educational Action Research, which is to foster innovative and practical uses of personal computers in education.

The institute will provide grants of Atari computer products and cash stipends to institutions, individuals or organizations able to develop new educational uses for computers in schools, community programs or the home. Grants totaling more than $250,000 will be given during the institute's first year.

Ted M. Kahn, formerly an education consultant to the computer division of Atari, has been named executive director of the institute, which will be located in the company's headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif.

[Contact: Atari Inc., 1265 Borregas Ave., P.O. Box 427, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.]

Off-site storage update

The query in December's Newsletter regarding the availability of off-site cooperative storage for back-up tapes drew only two responses. A health sciences library in Texas reported that several of the libraries in its region store OCLC archival tapes both with AMIGOS, the regional network in their area; and with MARCIVE, a San Antonio firm which produces a regional union catalog for twenty medical libraries in the South Central Region. A Pennsylvania respondent said that PALINET also offers an OCLC archival tape storage and maintenance program. As yet, no library has reported cooperative off-site storage of circulation system records.

Directory of Online Information Resources

The eighth edition of the Directory of Online Information Resources is now available.

Priced at $18.50, the semiannual directory includes pricing information; names, addresses and telephone numbers of database vendors and producers; and subject and source access to information on more than 300 of the most used commercially available online databases in the U.S.

[Contact: CSG Press, 11301 Rockville Pike, Kensington, MD 20895.]

Avatar enters first negotiation

Avatar Systems, Inc., the newest of the turnkey system vendors, has announced a tentative agreement to install a multi-branch version of the Integrated Library System (ILS) at the Carnegie-Mellon University of Pittsburgh. ILS is the system developed by the Lister Hill Laboratories for Biomedical Communications. The software includes not only circulation and on-line catalog; but also technical services functions, including serials check-in.

If negotiations are successfully completed, Avatar will install ILS at the university's Engineering and Science Library in the Spring of 1982. Since the ILS software was developed without a multi-agency capability, Avatar will enhance the ILS software further so that all three libraries on the CMU campus can share circulation control and the on-line catalog. There are a number of other capabilities which are not yet completed.

Avatar has also announced a change of address. The company has taken office space at 11325 Seven Locks Road, Suite 205 in Potomac, MD 20854. The new telephone number is (301) 983-8900.

Cable television connectivity

Having received a number of inquiries from librarians about the state of the art of providing off-site patrons with access to library catalogs by using cable television facilities, the Contributing Editor has undertaken a brief survey of the developments in off-site public access using not only cable, but also other technologies.

With an estimated 21 million U.S. homes connected to cable television services, simple linkages with library catalogs would offer the opportunity for enhanced library service to patrons in either their homes or offices. At least three of the major vendors of turnkey library automated systems are actively working on such cable linkage.

Following the philosophy that a library user should not need to purchase any additional equipment to be able to access a library catalog via cable, C L Systems, Inc. (CLSI) is pursuing the development of a linkage which requires only that the user have a telephone and a television receiver with cable access. In the initial development phase, the library patron telephones the library and addresses an inquiry to a member of the library staff who searches it against the on-line catalog using an Apple microcomputer as the terminal. The system response to the inquiry scrolls onto the cable as it appears on the terminal screen. The number of characters per line has been reduced from 80 to 40 to improve legibility on the television receiver. Although the system has been installed in the Iowa City Public Library it is not yet being utilized. The library has elected to await phase two of the CLSI program which would permit users with Touch-Tone telephones to directly access and interrogate the catalog without the intervention of a library staff member. Upon being connected with the Apple micro the patron would get a menu display and would then make selections by punching numbers on his or her Touch-Tone telephone which correspond to the numbered options on the screen. Once the direct access facility is available-the development is projected for later this year-Iowa City plans to target its initial service at local schools and institutions rather than to individual patrons in their homes.

Cincinnati Electronics (CE) is pursuing the development of a similar linkage with the Lexington Public Library in Kentucky in conjunction with the installation of a CE circulation system. When the systems are installed and operational-the projected target date is August 1982-the interface will permit the results of a catalog search performed by a library staff member in response to a telephone request from a patron to be displayed on the patron's television.

DataPhase is working with the New Orleans Public Library to develop off-site access via cable TV to the library's planned patron access catalog. In an interview, DataPhase president, Sheldon Roufa, opined that all current work on cable access by DataPhase or other turnkey vendors is in the experimental phase. Roufa does not expect operational systems to be effective until cable companies fully support two-way or interactive cable television.

While the use of a telephone and an unmodified television receiver has the advantage of utilizing technologies already available in many homes and offices, it does not make efficient use of the cable capacity because a single inquiry ties up an entire channel-a channel which, in other applications could handle the equivalent of up to a thousand simultaneous transactions. The organizations working on off-site access are keenly aware of this and are also planning for future systems that would use either high-speed digital devices at both ends of a cable or telephone line, or videotex systems which require modification of the television receiver. The latter has been more thoroughly researched.

Videotex is the generic name for information retrieval via a modified home television set. Information may be transmitted over telephone lines or cable. It is distinguishable from teletext which broadcasts information to the home by putting it in the unused black space between the frames (known as the vertical blanking interval). By use of wiring, videotex systems can be two-way or interactive. A large computer is used at the "head end" of the system so that many users can be served at one time. A decoder attached to the home television receiver can accept data at a faster rate than a conventional television set and can also be used to formulate control signals to be sent back to the host computer.

The Channel 2000 project conducted by OCLC in 1980 focused on one type of videotex system called Viewdata. This system uses a decoder which links the television set to the telephone. A user can communicate with the host computer via telephone as instructed by a message on the television screen. Once the user is logged on, the system displays frames of information on the home television screen. The user can choose the display by punching the appropriate touch-tone numbers on the telephone. The library catalog of the Columbus Public Library was one of the files made available to the participants in the trial.

OCLC has also undertaken joint experiments with Warner Communications and American Express using QUBE, a two-way cable system with limited interactive ability. The QUBE system does not allow on-demand provision of information; rather it uses a polling technique; the host computer solicits responses to specific questions from the users and computes the results. Having completed two major experiments, OCLC is continuing to explore and assess the possibilities for off-site delivery of information and has renamed its project Viewtel.

The Pikes Peak Public Library, which developed the Maggie's Place automated library system has opted to rely on digital devices at both ends. It provides dial-up access to a limited number of its patrons who have terminals or personal computers at home. For those who lack the equipment, the library has installed a remote computer terminal in a booth in a supermarket. Using this terminal, a patron can logon in the same way as a user at home. Since these users are usually less experienced than those who own their own equipment, a telephone is provided for voice communication with the library staff.

At this stage it is difficult to predict the future of simple cable linkages between library systems and offsite users: we were unable to locate any libraries actually using cable in this way, although several expected to begin such services within the year. With current trends towards diminishing staff resources it seems unlikely that the least sophisticated application which requires full participation of a library staff member in the searching process will gain widespread popularity. Likewise, the need for a terminal to be dedicated to each simultaneous inquirer in the direct access systems posited for development in the near future would appear to limit their range of attractive applications.

The videotex option is potentially more cost and service effective, but it will have to offer far more than library services for the economics of scale to be realized. There are currently more than 250 videotex experiments being conducted in Europe and North America using several competing systems. It may be several years before operational systems will be available to libraries that wish to provide access to off-site users.

Any approach that requires that off-site users have their own computer terminals limits access to the more affluent. However, there are projections that the number of personal computers will increase twenty-fold in the next four years given present price trends. If the new chip described in the next section becomes available by 1985, the rate of growth may be even greater. The "cable-ing" of the catalog is not a certainty but there are several options which warrant exploration. We agree with Sheldon Roufa's assessment that all of the work is still in the experimental stage.

[ILLUSTRATION]"Commander Codie," the computer terminal which provides off-site access to the inventory of the Pikes Peak Public Library from a local supermarket.

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