Library Technology Guides

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Volume 2 Number 05 (May 1982)

Linked systems: national, local and in-house

In recent months a number of institutions have announced developments in interfacing automated library systems. Activity in this area is occurring at all levels: nationally, among different systems; locally; and in-house among systems.

The Council on Library Resources

(CLR) has awarded The Research Libraries Group (RLG) a grant of $394,886 for the next phase of the Linked Systems Project (LSP), called the "Standard Network Interconnection" (SNI).

The work to be performed will cover the design, development and implementation of a standardized telecommunications link among the systems at RIG, the Washington library Network (WLN) and the Library of Congress (LC).

Upon implementation of the SNI, users of either WLN or RLGs on-line bibliographic system RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network), and the Library of Congress will be able to access bibliographic resources of the other systems. The long-range implication of use of the SNI is that any computer system will be able to connect with any other computer system to create a nationwide bibliographic network.

The Linked Systems Project includes the ongoing work of the Linked Authority Systems Project (LASP), also funded by CLR, which has concentrated on the sharing of authority records. By early 1983, with the completion of the Standard Network Interconnection, the three linked systems will have a network in place upon which the cooperative creation and maintenance of consistent data bases, search and retrieval among systems, and exchange of freeform messages can be implemented. The existence of the link will allow, in addition to the exchange of authority data, the sharing of full catalog records, location and holdings data, and even the transmittal of interlibrary loan requests.

[Contact: RLG, Jordan Quadrangle, Stanford, CA 94305. (415) 328-0920.]

RLG local system link

The Research Libraries Group, Inc. has developed an interface that will link its Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) to local library systems for record transfer. The first implementation of this link between the RLIN II bibliographic data base and a local collection is with the Pennsylvania State University Patee Library.

The link is described as an important first step toward the distributed processing technical environment to which RIG is committed. The RIG/local system link is "considered an interim arrangement prior to the implementation of the computer-to-computer link being developed under a grant from the Council on Library Resources.

The link is supported by the RLG 40 intelligent terminal, connected to the RLIN network. The terminal operator can command the transfer of a displayed record from the RLIN data base to the local system. The record being transferred is reformatted into a string of tagged MARC fields and passed through the RLG 40 terminal into the University library's main computer. The system provides check sum error detection, a limited number of corrective responses, and software developed by Penn State allows the local system to interpret the transferred information for local manipulation.

Circulation and cataloging at Boston Public

Inforonics has developed a procedure that integrates MARC records from the Boston Public Library's Technical Services Department cataloging system with its circulation system. Library staff no longer have to type in circulation records; relevant data is extracted from existing cataloging records. The new procedure saves the time and cost of entering records into both systems, and illustrates how local circulation systems can be linked with regional networks.

The project involved integrating software of the Library's regional cataloging system which runs on a DEC system-10 and its circulation system which operates on an IBM system.

This link between the circulation and cataloging systems can be seen as the first step in implementing a network module which distributes MARC-derived records in local circulation systems via magnetic tape. The next step will be direct transmission of records from the regional host computer by telecommunications to local circulation systems.

[Contact: Inforonics, Inc., 550 Newtown Road, Littleton, MA 01460.]

ALIS again

The previous issue of LSN reported Hartford County's use of its DataPhase ALIS II system to access the CLSI and SCI systems of other Maryland libraries. DataPhase Systems has now announced that the installation of the largest single- library data communications network in the country, CPLNET, has been completed. Because of the cost of maintaining communications lines, data communications networks have emerged as critical components in the implementation of large library information systems. CPLNET links the central Chicago Public Library (CPL) with its 89 branches.

To insure efficient communications services an Intertel EMS-l system has been installed to automatically monitor CPL's ALIS II/E system on a continuous basis, eliminating the need for specialized operators to check the system for faults. The communications network is a key aspect of CPL's system, the alpha test for the DataPhase/Tandem project.

The system will serve 500,000 annual patrons while circulating 15 million items. It will initially utilize 150 terminals with expansion capability of 500 terminals.

[Contact: DataPhase Systems, Inc., 3770 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo 64111. (816) 931-7927.]

Ergonomics at work

Ergonomics is making headway in the United States as American organizations realize that they are paying a price for not eliminating human wear and tear at computer terminals.

The problems of employee alienation and human error that are the products of strain and discomfort at terminals can be cured and prevented by applying ergonomics-the systematic method of arranging the work environment so that employees can achieve maximum efficiency.

Why is U.S. management just beginning to address the human factor at the terminal? The answer lies in the rapid incursion of computer terminals into American organizations.

At first, terminals in offices were uncommon; using them was a challenging experience; and the first people chosen to operate them were also uncommon. Strains and discomforts were accepted as necessary accompaniment to the exciting new technology. But, as terminals and operators multiplied, so did human problems.

Time intensifies the wear and tear. Conditions which new operators might accept as nuisances sooner or later become intolerable. The causes lie in equipment design that allows screens to assault the eyes with glare, reflections, flickering and just plain poor readability.

When computers were new to organizations, they tended to be set apart and the environment was adapted to their use. Now, as terminals proliferate throughout normal work areas, builtin handicaps follow. The lighting that was ideal for a group of 20 clerical employees using typewriters or other manual equipment can be all wrong for the operators of terminals in the same location.

Much of the human wear and tear is the result of poorly designed/selected tables and chairs. The selection of furniture for terminals is of ten a fleeting afterthought that follows extensive deliberations over the choice of terminals. It's something of a holdover from the practice of putting all office typewriters on the same kind of table, and giving the operator a chair which has only one ergonomic feature--a manual seat-height adjustment. Terminals, however, aren't typewriters and an adjustment in seat height does not offer an operator the supportive working environment required for efficient operation.

The toll of such factors can no longer be ignored. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has found that employees who primarily operate terminals have more health complaints than non-user employees.

When operators must make do with terminals, environments, and furniture that are ergonomically inadequate, the results include:

• Blurred vision, itching and burning eyes, and headaches that may be due to flickering screens, glare and poor contrast control. An unsatisfactory screen-to-eye distance or a poor screen angle also contribute to the problem.
• Fatigue and neck and back aches that are common among operators straining to overcome visual discomfort by trying to deal with awkward unchangeable positioning of the keyboard or screen.
• Other ailments that may be less common, but more severe. They include pack pains suffered in shifting a terminal and stand so that the screen does not face a window view of the late afternoon sun or reflect the sane, or in adjusting to a poorly designed chair.

Elimination of the causes of such disorders can be accomplished by applying ergonomic design which creates equipment and office environments that fit human needs by applying a combination of physiology, psychology, anthropometry and other studies. Anthropometry relates measurements of the body and its movements to the design of equipment and furniture-- utilizing up to 182 body dimensions.

Many of the advances in office ergo-nomics originated in Sweden, where unions and government have supported standards for well-designed computer equipment and furniture. One of the most widely ac-cepted standards was the introduction of the five-strut base for pedestal swivel chairs.

An optimal table arrangement is one which provides separate surfaces for screen and keyboard units. A split-sur-face design offers a full range of adjust-ments which allow the operator to position the keyboard and screen perfectly for his or her needs.

At such tables, operators can adjust surface heights pneumatically, swivel each surface, tilt the rear surface to the most convenient screen angle, and change the distance between keyboard and screen. Ease of adjustment is especially important when more than one operator uses a terminal.

Terminal screens should be free of glare and reflection, and large enough to be read easily. Images should be well-defined and stand out against a back-ground of good contrast. The terminal body and keys should be finished to con-trol glare. Keyboards should be designed for comfortable and uncomplicated use, with attention to the natural angle and support of both the operators s wrist and hand while keying.

Efficient and strainfree operation is still not likely unless a careful choice is made of both the table-one that is right for the equipment, the site and the nature of the terminals use-and chair. In each case, the crit-ical question is one of the degree to which the operator can adjust the furni-ture to suit his or her size, vision, and other physical characteristics.

Major points to look for when choosing a chair are five struts on the base for balance, a mechanism for height adjustment which can be operated from a sitting position, an adjustable back rest for support of the lower lumbar area, and firm contour padding to pre-vent excessive body shifting. If the chair has arms, check that they are re-cessed to permit unobstructed access to the keyboard while maintaining proper back support.

A table with a single surface top can still provide ergonomic benefits provided that its surface height can be adjusted.

For concentrated work at a station-ary location, a table desk with recessed well allows comfortable arm and hand positions for the operator, as well as height and angle adjustment of the surface.

A table with a single surface or a recessed well can take on more ergonomic features if the screen unit is mounted on a sliding tray. The tray allows the oper-ator to move the screen forward or back, and to adjust the vertical angle.

For a work station with limited space, or situations in which the opera-tor works in a standing position, a wall- mounted terminal can be a practical solu-tion. Separate surfaces for screen and keyboard are mounted on slotted wall rails at the desired heights. The key-board surface glides out from the wall on ball bearings and back out of the way when not in use.

The University of Petroleum and Min-erals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, has paid particular attention to ergonomics in arranging furniture and equipment to sup-port its automated cataloging system. Modular furniture is configured so that each terminal is shared by two people: either two catalogers or a cataloger and a typist. This allows cataloging staff to switch back and forth between online and of f line tasks, improving utilization of expensive equipment, and reducing the likelihood of long, unbroken stints fac-ing the terminal.

A feeling of privacy is aided by arranging desks so that people are seated facing away from each other.

Terminals are set up with the key-boards approximately 70 cm above floor level; work surface and chair heights may be adjusted further if desired. Copy holders keep flat work in the same sight plane as the terminal screen.

As more libraries turn to automa-tion to contain costs and increase effi-ciency, it will behoove administrators and planners to address this aspect of system implementation.

OCLC hiatus

OCLC has been experiencing problems with Ramtek terminals. These problems have necessitated extensive testing and negotiations which have yet not been satisfactory. As a result, OCLC will no longer accept delivery of Ramtek terminals and will not install any of the terminals presently available for installation until a resolution to the present problems has been reached.

Dial access capabilities have been severely hampered by the shortage of in-put ports at OCLC. Therefore no additional dial access users are being authorized until further notice.

The moratorium both on new terminal installations and on dial access authorizations places extreme restrictions on OCLC system access, particularly for new users.

Electronic mail systems

For the Hewlett Packard 3000 Infomedia has announced an electronic mail system, Jenny/3000, designed to operate on the Hewlett Packard 3000 series of minicomputers-the machines used by libraries with the Virginia Tech automated library system and also those to be used by OCLC's Total Library System. Designed for users with no computing experience, Jenny/3000 is priced at $9,800 and will run on an HP 3000 with 128KB of primary memory plus standard disk and asynchronous peripherals.

[Contact: Infomedia, 801 Traeger Avenue, San Bruno, CA. (415) 952-4487.]

... For BRS Users

All BRS (Bibliographic Retrieval Ser-vices) users have access to electronic mail through the BRS Message Switching System (MSGS). MSGS is easy to use and message routing is controlled using the T (terminal) number of the person for whom the message is intended. To make it easier for BRS users to participate in the MSGS, BRS is producing a T number Directory which will include all BRS password holders who wish to be included. The directory will be in alphabetical order by organization name. [Contact: BRS, 1200 Route 7, Latham, NY 12110. (800) 833-4707.]

Systems Development Foundation expands assets

The System Development Foundation, formerly chief stockholder in the System Development Corporation (SDC) has increased its resources by more than $60 million through the sale of SDC to the Burroughs Corporation. Part of this base is to be deployed in grants to advance the information sciences, funding basic research in spatial and. content information theory, classification, and information structures; the principles of representation in biological and machine information processing; the principles underlying the man-machine interface; and the interface between the computer and artistic endeavor.

[Contact: Charles S. Smith, Director of Programs, System Development Foundation, 181 Lytton Avenue, Suite 210, Palo Alto, CA 94301.]

20,000 programs adaptable to IBM Micro, says Xedex

Xedex Corp. recently unveiled a new electronic device, designed exclusively for International Business Machines Corp.'s (IBM) Personal Computer, that makes the microcomputer compatible with thousands of existing software programs that were written for 8-bit micros.

(The IBM personal is a 16-bit machine.) Known as "Baby Blue CPU Plus," the new device is described as a combination of circuit board and software that makes over 20,000 existing compatible CP/M-80- based programs available to IBM Personal Computer owners. It will also expand the computer's present memory with 64KB on the Xedex board.

According to Xedex, Baby Blue will permit owners of the Personal Computer to. run virtually any software that is CP/M-80-compatible and written for 8080 or Z80 8-bit microprocessors. The device is simply plugged into an existing slot in the IBM chassis. Shipments of the $600 unit were scheduled to begin in April.

[Contact: Xedex, 645 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 19022.]

More on reformatting remote search results

Readers who were interested in the item on reformatting remote search results in last month's newsletter and others involved in the selection of terminals, printers and microcomputers for libraries may wish to consult the Terminal/Microcomputer Guide and Directory published by Online, Inc. The 1982-83 issue of the Guide lists over 60 print terminals, 70 video terminals, 30 printers and 35 microcomputers. The equipment assessed from the point of view of librarians and information managers. The publication costs $40 and two updated supplements-to be published in November 1982 and November 1983-may be ordered for an additional $20.

[Contact: Online, Inc., Dept. T/MG, 11 Tannery Lane, Weston, CT 06883.]

Flat screen technology

Researchers are currently pursuing a number of technologies aimed at the development of flat screens to replace television and cathode ray tube (CRT) display devices. The research is driven not so much by the needs of the home entertainment industry-although the idea of a three by four foot wall-hung television screen only one-inch thick is appealing-but by the portability inherent in the lighter and less bulky flat screen devices, their lower power consumption and freedom from geometric distortion.. Much of the research is targeted at defense industry applications.

The electroluminescent (EL) approach creates pictures using a myriad of microscopic elements, similar to single light bulbs. The illumination source is a network of narrow channels, each containing a single metallic electrode surrounded by gases. Another type of flat screen uses liquid crystal displays (LCD) similar to those in electronic watches.

In television applications EL flat-screens require unique circuitry to hook up their drive, signals with electrodes along the- extremities of the TV's picture area. Drive signals are sequenced so that they light up single photo elements, or pixels, as they connect at the intersection of horizontal rows and vertical columns. In contrast, LCD's advantage is in using very little power. Industry experts are estimating pixel density for both systems at 50 to 70 elements per inch, which means outstanding graphics resolution. A 50-inch screen could create over 1200 horizontal color elements-or about three times more pixel density than TV stations can now transmit.

Color is no problem for flat-screen TV. It's simply a matter of applying phosphors in the correct areas for EL units. The liquid crystal display material originates as color. The big challenge for the engineers in both systems is getting the cost down to affordable consumer levels. Because the sets will be solid- state, this should be possible. In fact, there are already predictions that small portable sets will become as inexpensive as a digital watch display. Hitachi has demonstrated a working model LCD pocket TV with limited resolution.

The Army is developing an EL attaché case sized videodisk player, which may be available by 1985, and would permit training in the field with on-site equipment. LCD display units offer the potential for battery powered portable terminals for automation applications.

One U.S. company-Grid Systems Inc.- has developed a portable computer which uses EL flat screen technology-the Compass Computer. Filling only one half of a brief case, the Compass fits in a magnesium case just two inches thick and weighs only 9-1/4 lb. By comparison, IBM's Personal Computer which, it is claimed does not match the Grid machine's power, weighs five times as much and takes up 13 times as much space. The basic price of the Compass is $8,150, or at least 20 percent higher than a comparably equipped computer from IBM.

The Compass Computer features a pop-up electroluminescent flat screen. The display is 1/4 inch thick and measures 6 inches diagonally. It is designed to provide finer resolution and greater flexibility in mixing graphics and text than the bulkier CRT screens used in' other personal computers. The screen is reported to cost $700, which is more than ten times as much as a standard CRT display screen.

New image storage system

The recently announced Sony "Mavica" electronic image camera has important implications for information management. To complement the imaging system, Sony introduced the "Mavigraph," a printer based on magnetic video technology. Together they demonstrate an innovative filmless "picture" process in which images are created and printed by electromagnetic means, the same basic method used in text processing and storage computers.

"Mavigraphy," which Sony has termed the new imaging process, uses an electronic shutter to admit light rays onto a microprocessor chip inside the camera. The chip then converts the rays into electronic impulses which are recorded on a small magnetized disk, similar to the disks used for memory storage in word and data processors. This points to the possibility of image processors or computer banks that store photographic images which are automatically retrievable.

Mavigraphy image signals can be transmitted via phone wire over long distances onto a video terminal. Continuous readings of 10 pictures per second are possible; speeds of up to 60 may be achieved in the future. Through electronic means, users can control color tone and produce composite pictures. Up to 50 images can be recorded on a magnetic disk, which is reusable. For viewing, the disk is placed in a special adapter that reconverts impulses into a signal that can be viewed on a standard video monitor.

The Mavica and Mavigraph will be marketed in 1983 for both industrial and consumer use. Its greatest attraction is for large in-house systems where a file of thousands of electronic images can be stored and retrieved with ease.

School libraries begin to share turnkey systems

Increases in minicomputer capacities in the late 1970's led to the development of minicomputer-based turnkey systems large enough to support the activities of a number of libraries on one Central Processing Unit. Public libraries took the lead in grouping to take advantage of the economies of scale available to institutions able to share turnkey systems. Such academic consortia as were formed for library automation before this time had used mainframe systems. By 1980 some academic and public libraries had begun to share systems.

School libraries have until recently stood on the sidelines. In the last year, however, at least two high school libraries have begun to share automated systems with nearby public libraries.

The first school library to share a turnkey system is located in Egg Harbor (NJ) where a high school library began using a nearby public library's CLSI system in 1981. More recently the West Valley High School of Fairbanks, AK received an Alaska State Library grant to tie into the CLSI system of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library. The Alaskan libraries are charged with sharing their experiences with other school and public libraries that may wish to consider similar arrangements. [Contact: Marvin Smith, Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, 1215 Cowles Street, and Margie Thomas, West Valley High School, 3800 Geist Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701).

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