Library Technology Guides

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Volume 2 Number 03 (March 1982)

CLSI introduces micro based system

CLSI unveiled its microcomputer-based library system at the American Library Association in Denver on January 24, 1982. The new system uses the same basic software packages as its minicomputer-based systems to facilitate upgrading to a larger system when a library grows beyond the capacity of the micro. The machine selected is the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) LSI 11/23, an excellent choice because the basic system has 256KB (256,000 characters) of primary memory that can be expanded up to 1MB (1 million characters) of primary memory, as compared with 64 to 256KB for most other micros.

Up to 16 terminals can be supported for circulation, acquisitions, patron access catalog and materials booking.

A 96MB cartridge model disk drive is used as secondary storage. A library can load up to 80,000 brief bibliographic records (averaging 350 characters each).

A basic central site costs $40,000 and the cost of software packages start at $7,500 per function. Circulation software, for example, is priced at $10,000. A circulation system might, therefore, cost a minimum of $60,000-75,000.

A library can choose to add a tape transport for loading files and back-up and larger disk drives, up to 300MB, are available. A fully configured system with all software packages could cost $125,000 or more, almost as much as some mini-based systems.

CLSI is the fourth turnkey vendor to introduce a micro-based system that has the same software as the vendors larger mini systems and from which a library can migrate to a mini-based system. The others are Avatar, Computer Translations Inc. and DataPhase Systems Inc. [Contact: CL Systems Inc., 83. Norwood Ave., Newtonville, MA 02160. 617-965- 6310].

DataPhase customers complain about storage capacities

Several libraries with collections of 175,000 to 250,000 titles have installed DataPhase automated circulation systems configured with two 192MB (mega-byte) Data -General -disk drives. In each case, the libraries were assured that two 192MB drives would be sufficient to accommodate the bibliographic records, associated indices and patron files. Many of these libraries have now run out of disk storage space even though they have loaded fewer than 175,000 records.

In the case of one of the affected libraries, an independent consultant hired by the library had argued strongly for 300MB drives. The vendor, however, had assured the library that the smaller drives were sufficient and that use of the larger drives might result in hardware maintenance problems since the larger drives would be Control Data drives, units which Data General, the manufacturer of the rest of the equipment, will not maintain. A local third-party maintenance firm would, therefore, have had to have been retained.

It has been pointed out that some of the libraries contributed to the problem of insufficient storage by entering longer records than those that they had specified in their Requests for Proposal. However, even after adjusting for the effect of the longer records, it appears that the vendor did seriously underestimate the amount of overhead its system required.

Libraries with collections in the 175-250,000 title range should require disk drives of no less than 300MB. This applies not only in the case of systems supplied by DataPhase, but also to systems supplied by other vendors as well.

Unfortunately, the vendors have not provided libraries with sufficient information to determine the amount of disk storage that is needed. Experience suggests that a library can ensure adequate capacity by multiplying the number of titles held by 3,000 to arrive at the amount of disk storage for a system which supports full-MARC records, authority control, and disk to disk backup. This usually provides for five years of expansion for a library that increases its collection by 5% per year. Using this calculation a library with 175,000 titles would need 525MB of storage or two 300MB drives.

Libraries which do not plan to load full-MARC records should use a multiplier of 1,800 for up to 400 characters per record.

New non-silver filming system

It has been reported that a new non-silver filming system has been developed with the speed, resolution, and archival qualities of silver halide film. In addition to being less expensive than silver halide film, it is claimed to be free of the potential disadvantages of other film types. When it becomes generally available, reportedly later this year, this new technology is apt to have a major effect on the micro-form publishing industry.

Silver halide film has been the primary film type used in cameras for microfilming on account of its light sensitivity ('speed') and its relative permanence. In the past two decades, numerous silverless micro photographic processes have been developed, particularly for microfilm duplicates. Each in its own way has had certain advantages over silver halide film, but none has been without disadvantages of its own. Diazo and vesicular microfilm which together account for over 80 percent of all microfilm duplicates (primarily for business and government use) lack silver halide's archival life expectancy and have other shortcomings besides.

This new film, known as KC-Film, can be used for a number of applications: for microform duplication, as an X-ray film, as a printing plate, or for regular photography. KC-Film does not require special handling or protection and is unaffected by ambient light. It is also insensitive to moisture and heat.

Prior to fixing, KC-Film is erasable and reusable almost indefinitely. When archival quality is desired, the images are fixed onto the film, allegedly rendering them permanent.

The new technology was developed by Coulter Systems, Inc., a small Bedford, MA, firm which specializes in the design of high-technology printing equipment and supplies. The company is not yet marketing its newest product, but it is working with the National Archives on a library-type application. [Contact: Coulter Systems, Inc., 35 Wiggins Ave., Bedford, MA 01730].

NMA announces annual meeting

The 31st Annual Conference and Exposition of the National Micrographics Association will be held in St. Louis May 3 through 6, 1982. The theme will be "Micrographics: New Importance for the 80's." Most of the program meetings will be devoted to the manufacturing, selling and industrial office use of microforms. The biggest attraction, as usual, will be the nearly two hundred exhibits of equipment, supplies and services.

More than ever, stress will be placed on interfacing micrographics and automation. The program includes a major field trip to the McDonnell Douglas Automation Company, the worlds largest computer facility, on May 5th. There will also be an institute on videodisc as a digital storage medium on May 4th.

[Contact: National Micrographics Association, 8719 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910].

1982 videodisc symposium set

The third annual Videodisc Symposium, presented by the Nebraska Video-disc Design/Production Group, has been scheduled for Lincoln, Nebraska, September 28 through October 1, 1982. As in the past, leading developers of videodisc materials will share their knowledge and experiences with producers, directors, manufacturers, educators and others interested in the state-of-the-art of videodisc technology.

Cleaning disk drive heads

Libraries which own micros with floppy disk storage may wish to invest in a cleaning kit. In normal operation the heads of floppy disk drives pick up oxide particles from disk surfaces.

As the particles accumulate on the head, the head is lifted away from the disk and read/write errors occur. Cleaning the heads with a swab and a cleaner, as recommended by several disk manufacturers, is a nuisance because the heads are difficult to get to without taking the disk drive cabinet apart. The easier way of getting the job done is to purchase a cleaning diskette on which the cleaning solution is applied. The spinning diskette will clean the heads in 30 seconds without effort.

A kit containing a cleaning diskette and solution costs $55 and is good for 60 weekly cleanings. The supplier, INMAC, has distribution centers in most principal cities. [Contact: INMAC, 246 Augustine Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95051. 910-338-2091].

Costing local entry of brief records

Libraries which plan local data entry of brief records to match against databases of full bibliographic records may wish to calculate the cost of doing so using data often used in business organizations. The rule of thumb is that a typical operator is capable of sustaining a rate of 4,200 to 5,000 key-strokes per hour. Assuming an operator wage of $6.00 per hour including fringe benefits, the estimated cost of labor for entering a 100 character record is $.12-14, exclusive of any supervision, equipment, or overhead components. Allowing for the verification of recorded strokes, the estimated labor cost will increase to $.24-28 because each record must either be visually verified later or rekeyed a second time and matched electronically to identify errors. If the error rate is 3.5%-the average error rate in insurance studies--another $.01 per record cost will be incurred. The total cost of brief keying is, therefore, $.37-43. To that figure must be added the cost of extracting the full record from the database. That price is usually $.20-50 per record. If a subsequent edit is done incurring another cost of $.24-28, the total cost will be no lower than $.71 and may go as high as $1.11 per record.

Bytes, bits, words:: deciphering computer capacity

A reader has asked us to explain the relationship between computer capacity quoted in "bytes" and in "words." In order to make the comparison, it is necessary to restate some basics. Computer capacity-both that of primary memory and secondary storage devices-- is measured in bytes and expressed as a number followed by the symbol K or KB. 1KB stands for 1,024 bytes. The convention of using K to represent a count of 1,024 units is common in discussions of computer storage. This practice is not limited to the description of bytes, though these are usually intended when the notation K is used. A computer described as having 128K of main memory can store 128 times 1,024 bytes or characters. In practice, the value of K is rounded to the nearest 1,000 and the memory capacity is described in kilobytes or thousands of characters. It is, therefore, common to hear the expressions 128 Kilobytes, 128K and 128KB. Very large CPUs and virtually all secondary storage devices have capacities measured in millions of bytes or Megabytes (MB).

While the byte is the most commonly used expression of memory and storage capacity, computer capacity is sometimes described in "words," a measure which denotes the number of bits which the control unit can retrieve from the primary memory at one time. An 8 bit-word computer can access 8 bits, or one byte, at a time. The word lengths of available computing devices range from 8 to 64 bits, although most of the machines installed in libraries have 8 or 16 bit-word capacities. When capacity is expressed in words, the same convention of using K for 1,024 (words in this case) is followed, as in a 64K 16 bit-word computer. Word length is directly related to a computer's operating speed-the longer the word, the faster the machine.

To convert a statement of primary memory capacity which has been expressed in words to one expressed in bytes, multiply the number of words by the number of bits in each and divide by 8. Thus a computer with 64K 16 bit-words of main memory can store 64 x 1,024 x 16 bits, or 1,048,576 (1,024K) bits. Dividing by 8, the equivalent character capacity is 131,072 bytes (nominally 128K).

Turnkey vendors experience poor cash flow

Major turnkey library systems vendors are not paying their bills promptly according to information compiled by Dun and Bradstreet, the international credit rating firm.

Of the four largest library turnkey vendors-CL Systems Inc., DataPhase, Geac and Cincinnati Electronics-substantial data was available only for the first two. Both companies appear to be slow in paying their bills when measured on the Dun and Bradstreet Paydex scale. On this scale a rating of 80 or above is considered prompt payment. The average rating for turnkey vendors in all industries is 68, with the lowest quartile of the industry having a Paydex of 59. In 1980-81, CLSI had sales of $11.7 million and a net income of $772,000. In 1981-82 its net income appears to have dropped to $150,000. The company has a net worth of $1.37 million, none of it in real estate because all of its facilities are rented. In January 1982 CLSI had a Paydex rating of 32, an all-time low which reflects a steady decline from its February 1981 rating of 43.

DataPhase's sales in 1981-82 were $7.2 million. No information was available on the company's net income. Its Paydex rating is 36 which is also an all-time low and represents a precipitous drop from the 51-52 maintained between August and November 1981. The company has actually taken more than 90 days to pay on a much larger number of its invoices than has CLSI.

Little information was available on Geac, but word-of-mouth reportage is that they pay promptly. Cincinnati Electronics has had a slow payment record, but the company's recent acquisition by Marconi Electric is expected to alter that pattern.

The situation among these vendors highlights the importance of the payment schedule negotiated by libraries installing turnkey automated systems, and explains why some vendors have recently insisted on larger preinstallation payments. The hardware component of a turnkey library system usually represents from 40-50% of the total cost of the system to the vendor. Thus, libraries purchasing turnkey systems should aim to have made payments totaling that percentage of the system cost at the time of delivery of the hardware. The proportion of the payment made when both hardware and software have been installed is negotiable, but it is normally regarded as wise to retain a balance of 20-30% of the total cost until the system is completed. This should be sufficient to give the library enough leverage to get results, yet assure the vendor adequate cash flow to meet its costs.

Voice messaging

Although being developed primarily for use in large corporate environments, the new voice store and forward technology known as "voice messaging" or "voice mailbox" may be of interest to LSN readers concerned with maintaining an acquaintance with developments in all areas of information technology. Supported by broad spectrum industry companies such as IBM (Audio Distribution and more specialized firms such as Voice & Data Systems Inc. (Out-Voice) and ECS Telecommunications Inc. (Voice Message Exchange), voice messaging technology provides facilities for 200 to 3,000 users to record, store and distribute voice messages ranging in maximum length from 90 seconds to 10 minutes.

Like the electronic messaging becoming popular in library applications (see LSN Vol.2, No.1), voice messaging offers facilities such as mass calling whereby one message can be delivered to a number of predetermined groups of system users, voice mailboxes where messages may be stored until the recipient is ready to receive them, and the ability for a recipient to scan the messages awaiting delivery. Some systems compress pauses in the spoken messages, are programmable to permit delivery of messages at a predetermined specified time, and may be staged to continue calling a recipient until the message is delivered. System pricing is dependent upon the number of service points in a particular installation, and costs range from $115,000 to $495,000. The systems are designed to be operated by non computer users and all claim to be user friendly.

Harvard Business Review on-line

Machine readable tapes of the bimonthly Harvard Business Review will soon be available for leasing to users who wish to load them into their in-house information systems. In addition, negotiations are under way to provide access to the database through one of the remote database services such as Dialog Information Services Inc. or Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS).

The database may be searched in free text mode but access is also available through eight controlled vocabulary indexes covering: 800 management terms; 45 corporate roles or functions; 300 geographic and country tens; 4,000 company names; 1,500 names of organizations which have been the subject of one or more articles; 45 basic industry categories; and 600 product, service, and brand names. Graphic data is indexed using a vocabulary of 300 basic terms. The database also contains abstracts of between 150 and 250 words for each article and includes all bibliographic citations.

The database covers the 1,774 articles published in the Review between 1971 and 1981 and will be updated within ten days of the publication of each issue. Fees for leasing the database for in-house use have not yet been set.

[Contact: Business Research Corporation, 1660 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA 02135]

Four new databases from Dialog

Dialog's on-line network will be offering four new bibliographic databases by early Spring. Two of the databases are aimed at microcomputer owners: International Software Directory and Microcomputer Index. The former parallels Imprint Editions' International Microcomputer Software Directory and covers commercially available software for all types of microcomputers. The initial database will contain over 5,000 records and will be updated monthly. It will cost $60 per connect-hour to search. The on-line version of Microcomputer Index indexes over 21 microcomputer journals covering articles, reviews, applications and new products. The database, to be updated quarterly, will begin with 6,000 records from 1960 to the present. The cost for searching Microcomputer Index will be $45 per connect-hour.

The on-line version of the Journal of Economic Literature will be mounted with 100,000 records covering journal articles, book reviews, and articles from collected works from 1969 to the present. Produced by the American Economic Association, the database will carry a searching fee of $75 per connect-hour.

Catfax: the Directory of Mail Order Catalogs is the on-line version of Grey House Publishing Inc.'s Directory of Mail Order Catalogs. It lists catalogs for products such as boating equipment, bookbinding supplies, garden tools, camping foods, etc. Connect-hour charges for this file will be $85. Each of the new databases carries a charge of $.l5 per record for off-line printing. [Contact: Dialog Information Services, Inc., 3460 Hillview Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304. 800-227-1927].

On-line accessory

Seen at the Mid-winter meeting of the American Library Association: the USERKIT, a plug-in terminal attachment designed to simplify access to on-line systems and reduce connection time charges by the rapid transmission of messages and search strategies previously devised, entered and checked off line. The USERKIT can also store output from a remote computer for later manipulation or enhancement. The kit, which will plug into any terminal and modem with the 25 pin, V24, RS232 interface using existing cabling, is available in four models: the Model 1 provides 48KB of storage and two switchable speeds and is priced at $2,490; the Model 2 provides 2KB of permanent storage and two switchable speeds for $1,740. Add- on storage is available for the Model 1. -Contact: C. Olsen, 977 Redmond Ave., San Jose, CA 95120. 408-268-4586].

16-Bit micros challenge minis

What is full-size/mini/micro? The larger minicomputers now rival the small end of the full-size or mainframe computers, and microcomputers are beginning to edge into the area previously the preserve of lower size models of minicomputers.

A significant recent entrant into the "is it a micro or a mini?" maze is Altos Computer Systems of San Jose, which has announced its first venture into 16-bit microcomputers. (As detailed elsewhere in this issue, computers which process larger 16-bit words are usually faster than those which handle only 8-bit words.)

The ACS8600 family can be configured to provide up to 1MB of main memory and up to 80MB of secondary storage. The systems can serve up to eight users simultaneously, and can support end-user programs written in BASIC, COBOL, PASCAL and FORTRAN. The basic system which offers 512KB of main memory, a 10MB hard disk and floppy disk backup is listed at $12,990.

Altos movement into what its President, David Jackson, describes as "minicomputer capability at micro prices" is significant because Altos users have an unusually high opinion of the company's hardware. In a recent survey by DataPro, 100% of users contacted said that they would recommend Altos hardware to other potential users. Users' overall satisfaction was 3.8 on a scale of 4, the highest of any system for which there were more than 100 responses. Documentation was the only area in which Altos was considered inadequate. [Contact: Altos Computer Systems Inc., 2360 Bering Dr., San Jose, CA 95131. 408-946-6700].

Radio Shack has also entered the arena, with its TRS-80 Model 16, a 16- bit computer which can handle up to three concurrent users. The Model 16 is compatible with all software written for the older TPS-80 Model II, and is currently available with a COBOL generator. FORTRMJ and BASIC versions of the Model 16 will be made available later.

Listed at $4,999 the Model 16 comes with 128KB of main memory and 1.4MB of storage. Main memory is expandable to 512KB and the unit will also support an 8.4MB hard disk drive.

In the user survey quoted earlier, Radio Shack users were not as content as Altos clients, giving a "recommend" rating for the Model II system of 85% and an overall satisfaction rate of 3 on a scale of 4. Dissatisfaction was voiced primarily in relation to the reliability and speed of the computer. [Contact: Tandy Corporation, 1800 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, TX 76102].

CDC Micro has timeshare, standalone uses

Control Data Corp. has introduced its first microcomputer, the Control Data 110, which is designed for both standalone and timesharing terminal applications.

The CD110 is available in 22 of Control Data's retail stores--known as Business Centers. It is aimed primarily at the small business market. The unit is also being offered with educational applications programs for academic institutions, which can call up CDC's Plato educational services network, a timesharing system.

The Plato computerized learning system has been developed by CDC over the past 10 years at a cost of more than $750 million. Although there are now about 6,000 plato terminals in use in the U.S., the company says it will be at least 1984 before it becomes profitable.

The company has finally recognized that Plato as originally designed, with remote terminals controlled by a huge central computer, may be too costly for most educational institutions. CDC admits that such a centralized approach is like "using an 18-wheeler to go to the grocery store." CDC therefore introduced MicroPlato, a scaled-down version that can be run on the D1O 116.

The basic 110 unit is priced at $4,995, with 64K of primary memory, a single 8-inch floppy disk drive and an operating system. The 8-inch floppy disk, which is dual density and double-sided, has 1.2 MB of storage.

The CDC 110 is CP/M-based, but further software modifications are necessary before the CDC 110 owners can use commercially available CP/M programs. These modifications will be available in the near future.

BASIC and PASCAL programs are available for the new unit, as are applications programs ranging from $625 for a simple business application to $4,000 for very sophisticated programs.

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