Library Technology Guides

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Volume 4 Number 01 (January 1984)

Bowker online book acquisition system

R. R. Bowker will conduct the final test phase of its online Book Acquisition System (BAS) beginning in February 1984 with commercial availability expected mid-1984. The test will be conducted nationwide with as many as 30 academic, public, and special libraries and bookstores.

BAS will enable participating libraries, booksellers, and other purchasers of books and related items to order any title from any U.S. publisher, wholesaler, or distributor. BAS requires no Jinvestment in custom equipment as it can be accessed via BRS using any standard terminal. BAS uses bibliographic information from the Books in Print data base which currently includes more than 850,000 titles from 15,100 publishers and distributors. Central to the operation of BAS is the use of the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and the SAN (Standard Address Number) Orders can be placed by using just these numbers, eliminating keying of order information and speeding the order entry process.

BAS will permit users to designate that orders be mailed by Bowker-whether to a wholesaler or publisher or combination of both. To improve the speed and accuracy of order fulfillment, book vendors can elect to receive orders via telecommunications or magnetic tape. The system permits users to verify online all current and past orders, and to enter all billings, deliveries, and claims with as much documentation (e.g. author, title, price, order date, invoice number, etc.), as is desired.

[Contact; R. R. Bowker Company. Electronic Publishing Division, 205 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017, (202) 916-1752.]

The AdLIb turnkey alternative

AdLib is an integrated library system with modules to support acquisitions and financial management, cataloging and authority control, circulation, online catalog, serials control, materials booking and interlibrary loan/electronic mail. The system is built on the Pick operating system and will function on a wide range of hardware including IBM, DEC, Prime, Honeywell, Altos and Pertec. Advanced Library Concepts markets AdLib as a turnkey system. The company is beginning the installation of its first system -- at the University of Hawaii.

AdLib supports full MARC records and provides interfaces to the bibliographic utilities for the online transfer of records. The authority control module provides for the global change of headings and the online catalog offers both menu-driven and command structure searches with keyword, truncation and Boolean features. The circulation component will function using either barcode or OCR technology.

The serials control function is still being developed. Operational features included are check-in, gap identification, claiming and routing. Check-in records can be retrieved by title, keywords or ISSN. The system predicts the issue identification for all issues expected to be received for the duration of a subscription allowing receipt of the next expected issue, earlier issues and later issues to be accomplished with minimal keying. Multiple copies of an item can be checked in on a single screen, even if each copy receives different processing treatment. The system will alert the operator to the receipt of more copies than expected and will seek guidance on the dispersal of the extra copies.

Gap identification and claiming functions support the usual range of processes. The routing capability allows prioritization of routes and the priority identification of the routes on which issues of items received in multiple copies are to be sent when less than the full number of copies have been checked in. Routing slips, spine and other labels can be generated at the check-in station.

Other capabilities under development include binding control and the automatic summarization of holdings for publications with a predictable pattern of publication.

In all functions, the system supports detailed verification capabilities and offers the library a wide range of reports.

[Contact: Advanced Library Concepts, Inc., 9343 Tech Center Drive, Suite 175, Sacramento, CA 95826. (916) 364-O340.]

Library automation for NCR and IBM System/34 and /36

The Inter Active Library Processing System (IALPS) was developed by H.C.E. Library Automation Systems to meet the needs of the Hurst Public Library of Texas. As of late 1983, the integrated system had operational acquisitions and fund accounting modules, cataloging using the full MARC format and tape loading capabilities, and circulation control which supported reserves, fines and inter-branch transfers utilizing either barcode or OCR technology. Designed to serve the needs of small to medium sized public libraries, the software package was also being installed at sites in Florida and New Mexico. H.C.E.'s plans for 1984 include the refinement of a patron access catalog component and the development of a serials control module. The catalog component includes Boolean and keyword searching. Community information files and an audiovisual materials booking component are planned as longer term enhancements.

The software is programmed in COBOL and all installations utilize identical packages. The system is being installed on NCR 9000 series and IBM System/36 computers. It will also operate on the IBM System/34.

Configured on an NCR computer, the basic software package is priced at $35,000. An additional charge of $10,000 is made for the multibranch capability and the patron access catalog software will cost an additional $5,000. For IBM configurations, the base price of $37,500 includes the multibranch capability; patron access catalog will be an extra $5,000. A software maintenance charge of one percent of the purchase price per annum includes maintenance and the rights to all software modules developed in the future. The company will supply turnkey systems of hardware and software if requested.

[Contact: H.C.E. Library Automated Systems, P.O. Box 18265, Fort Worth, TX 76118. (817) 468-6350.]

Westchester Library System signs agreement with UTLAS

Westchester Library System (WLS), a system of 38 New York public libraries, recently signed an agreement with UTLAS Inc., in Toronto for comprehensive on-line cataloging services. This agreement follows a six-month period during which WLS used UTLAS on an experimental basis.

"As a cooperative system, WLS must frequently revisit its catalogue records. A particularly attractive feature of the UTLAS system for us is the ability to access our own catalogue records and update individual member library holdings online," stated Dr. Maurice ("Mitch") Freedman, WLS Director. Dr. Freedman also pointed out that UTLAS' authority control system making it possible for WLS to introduce new subject headings and change outdated ones.

[Contact: UTLAS Inc., 80 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2Vl. (416) 923-0890.]

Automated serial control systems

The editors of LSN have just com-pleted a lengthy survey of available automated serial control systems to be published in the March/April 1984 issue of Library Technology Reports.

Of the 47 bibliographic utilities, serial subscription agencies, automated library system vendors and library soft-ware developers surveyed, 20 had systems that were operational at the end of 1983, 12 vendors had plans to provide serial control capabilities during 1984 and an-other 10 indicated some degree of inter-est in developing such systems in a less defined timeframe. Currently, there are a wide range of options for the automa-tion of serials management ranging from a $70.00 program for an Apple microcom-puter to a turnkey multifunction inte-grated library system that includes serial control and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Also available are service bureaus comprising subscrip-tion agencies and bibliographic net-works that offer services ala carte. The systems that were found to be opera-tional at the end of 1983 are listed below with very brief descriptions.

BASIS TECHNICAL LIBRARY PACKAGE

Battelle Software Products Center
BASIS Marketing Office
505 King Avenue, Room 11-8-112
Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 424-5524

Software package for mainframe or minicomputer. Part of a multifunction library system or standalone serials system.

Price range: multifunction/mainframe $50, 000-$55,000; multifunction/mini
$37,000-$40,000; standalone prices not available.

BIBLIOTECH LIBRARY SOFTWARE SYSTEM

Comstow Information Services
302 Boxboro Road,
Stow, MA 01775 (617) 897-7163

Software package for minicomputer. Limited function serials system or part of a multifunction library system. Price range: limited function serials system, $3,000; multifunction library system, $15,000-$20,000.

BOOK TRAK

Follett Library Book Company
4506 Northwest Highway
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(800) 435-6110

Software package for Apple II and IIe microcomputers. Magazine Control program.

Price: $156.

CARD DATALOG

DTI Data Trek
121 West E Street,
Encinitas, CA 92024 (619) 436-5055

Turnkey system or software package for microcomputers with MS-DOS or CP/M operating systems. Standalone serials system or part of a multifunction li-brary system. Prices: Turnkey systems $10,000 and up. Serials Control Module, $2,450.

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CHECKMATE
CLASS
1415 Roll Circle, Suite 101
San Jose, CA 95112-4698 (408) 289-1756

Capital Systems Group, Inc.
11301 Rockville Pike
Kensington, MD 20895 (301) 881-9400

Gaylord Bros., Inc.
P.O. Box 4901
Syracuse, NY 13221 (800) 448-6160

Software packages for microcomputers.
Prices: $l,500-$3,500.

DOBIS-LEUVEN

IBM
10401 Fernwood Road
Bethesda, MD 20817 (301) 897-2000
Software package for IBM 370 or compatibles. Part of a multifunction integrated library system.

Prices: license fees $52,800 or $64,800 in 24 monthly payments.

EBSCONET SERIALS CONTROL SYSTEM

EBSCO Subscription Services
P.O. Box 1943
Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 991-6000 Service bureau. Online check-in system no longer being offered to new customers.

EBSCONET ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
EBSCO Subscription Services
P.O. Box 1943
Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 991-6000
Service bureau.

Prices: Complex pricing system deter-mined by options chosen, number of titles, telecommunication charges, etc.

INNOVACQ

Innovative Interfaces Inc.
2131 University Avenue, Suite 334
Berkeley, CA 94704 (415) 540-0880

Part of a turnkey acquisitions sys-tem that includes serials control. Microprocessor with televideo terminals.

Price: Minimum configuration, $46,500.

LINX

The Faxon Company, Inc.
15 Southwest Park
Westwood, MA 02090 (617) 329-3350

Service bureau offering several options including online access to Faxon files, electronic mail, routing, online checkin, etc.

Prices: Complex pricing structure deter-mined by services chosen, number of titles, telecommunication charges, etc.

MAXWELL LIBRARY SYSTEMS

Maxwell Library Systems
Suite 21, 271 Great Road
Acton, MA 01720 (617) 263-2277

Software package for periodicals control to be used in conjunction with MINIMANAGER database management software package for TRS-80 Model I or II micro-computers.

Price: $70.00 plus $150 for MINIMMANAGER.

METAMICRO SERIALS CONTROL SYSTEM

MetaMicro Library Systems, Inc.
311 West Laurel, Suite 211
San Antonio, TX 78212 (512) 224-8455

Turnkey system or software package for Southwest Technical Products Corp. S+ microcomputer.

Prices: Turnkey system, $22,500 and up; software package, $6,000.

NOTIS

Northwestern University Library
1935 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60201 (312) 492-7004

Software package for IBM 4300 or compatibles. Part of a multifunction integrated library system.

Price: $50,000.

OCLC SERIALS CONTROL SUBSYSTEM
OCLC Subsystem Support and Training Section
6565 Frantz Road
Dublin, OH 43017 (614) 764-6000

Network service bureau offering various services.

Prices: Cost structure complex and varies according to local network practices.

PERLINE<

Blackwell Library Systems, Inc.
310 East Shore Road
Great Neck, NY 11023
(516) 466-5418 or (800) 645-5395

Turnkey systems or software pack-ages for DEC computers with MUMPS operating systems. Standalone or inte-grated with Bookline monograph acquisi-tions system. Four configurations offered, 1,000 to 50,000 titles.

Prices: Turnkey systems, $28,125- $93,750; software packages, $18,750- $50, 000.

PHILSOM

PHILSOM Network
Washington University
School of - Medicine Library

660 South Euclid Avenue

St . Louis, MO 63110 (314) 362-2788 Network service bureau or software package available for replication. Several different versions of the software are in use.

Prices: Complex pricing structure for net-work users. Software for replication by arrangement.

PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE SERIAL CONTROL SYSTEM

Professional Software
21 Forest Avenue, Glen Ridge NJ 07028
(201) 748-7658

Software package for TRS-80 Model II, Price: $3,500 (includes cost of keying 300 records).

SEDNA INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Sedna Corporation
970 Raymond Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 647-1101

Software package for DEC PDP 11 series of minis. Part of a multifunction integrated library system or a stand-alone limited function system.

Price: Pricing varies according to modules selected and amount of applications development required.

UCLA LIBRARY TECHNICAL PROCESSING SYSTEM

University of California Library
Los Angeles, CA 90024

In-house software for integrated multifunction system. Mainframe based. Not generally available for replication.

UNICORN

Sirsi Corporation
8106-B Memorial Parkway
Huntsville, AL 35802 (205) 881-2140

Integrated, multifunction turnkey system. Also available as limited function serial system.

Price: depends on system size and features.

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VIRGINIA TECH LIBRARY SYSTEM

Center for Library Automation
416 Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061 (703) 961-5847

Software package for Hewlett-Packard 3000 computer. Part of an integrated multifunction library system.

Price: $60,000.

MARC Format Guide for Serials

Following the success of its MARC Format Reference Card: Books (See LSN Vol. III, No. 9), Library Systems & Services Inc. has prepared a similar guide to the tags, indicators and subfield codes used in the MARC and OCLC serial formats. Copies of the card are available for $3.50.

[Contact: Library Systems & Services, Inc., 1395 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. (301) 258-0200.]

Large centralized vs. distributed systems

A library or consortium with many widely dispersed agencies has the option of installing a single automated system to serve all of its locations, or installing two or more regional systems and linking them with dial-up or leased telecommunications lines. In deciding between centralized and distributed systems, a library or consortium is making more than a technological decision of interest only to systems designers and programmers. The choice between two alternative system configurations will have two major impacts on administrators and users: cost, and query methodology. Normally a centralized system will cost more to operate due to high telecommunications costs, but will provide single-query access to system wide data. On the other hand, a distributed system, while reducing telecommunications costs, may require two or more steps to gain access to all the resources. The assumption underlying distributed systems is that most of the needs can be met within a region.

Under the centralized approach, one or more CPUs are, located at a single site and library holdings and patron information are maintained in a single large data base. All agencies are linked to the central site via telecommunications lines which may be concentrated for economy.

Among the advantages of a centralized system are:

• a single query will provide access to all bibliographic or patron information, regardless of where the material is housed or where the patron was registered;
• only a single copy of each bibliographic record is maintained online; no costs are incurred to store multiple redundant data at two or more locations;
• only one computer room needs to be built, staffed, and maintained;
• only one software license fee, or fewer fees (if the vendor bills on a per-processor basis) is required; and
• the approach reinforces the view of library or consortium resources as a single collection, rather than as a series of separate collections.

There are, however, disadvantages to the centralized approach:

• increased telecommunications costs are incurred because lines are billed by the mile, and must link each location to the central site;
• a very large data base supported with multiple processors is a complex technical environment, more difficult to manage and maintain than several dispersed processors;
• there is diminished overall system reliability because a failure- such as loss of power-at the central site can disable the entire computer system;
• increased CPU costs result from the systems sophistication required to meet the overhead incurred in linking CPUs at the central site;
• increased software costs result from the need to provide multiprocessor linkages; and
• increased maintenance charges are incurred due to the increase in telecommunications equipment.

Under the distributed approach, CPUs are located in two or more geographically dispersed locations. Each processor would support disk drives which store records of bibliographic items located in the region and records of patrons registered in that region. Telecommunications lines would span from each agency to the nearest regional center, and single lines would link the centers for inquiries from one region to another.

Among the advantages of a distributed system are:

• telecommunications costs are reduced because circuits are shorter;
• increased system reliability is achieved because failure at a single site would disable only a portion of the total system;
• increased system reliability results from the use of smaller CPUs in a less complex processing environment; and
• reduced ongoing telecommunications equipment maintenance charges are incurred.

The disadvantages associated with the distributed approach include:

• two or more steps (depending upon the hierarchy selected) may be involved in an inquiry for non-local data;
• increased ongoing maintenance fees are incurred because of the increased disk requirements;
• one-time site preparation costs (electrical, air conditioning, basic construction) and software license fees are increased due to multiple system locations;
• more staff are required to perform
• preventive maintenance and to operate multiple sites; and
• the decision creates a somewhat fragmented system.

These strengths and weaknesses have to be carefully considered before final decisions are made. When the field of potential systems has been narrowed, it is possible to portray the relative cost figures with more precision, based on the prices of the systems then under consideration. While normally cost calculations are made on total five year cost, it is also common to put greater emphasis on comparative operating costs because they compete directly with ongoing personnel and, acquisitions needs.

The more critical issue is that of service to users. Are they well served by providing easy access to the resources of a region and requiring a second step to ascertain resources outside the region? Presumably, were the bibliographic resources of the regions quite similar the answer would be different than were they to be quite different and complementary. A careful analysis would, therefore, include not only technical and economic analyses, but also an examination of the collections and user needs.

BLIS for Johns Hopkins

The Johns Hopkins University has acquired the Biblio-Techniques Library & Information System (BLIS) software to serve as a public access online library catalog for the Milton S. Eisenhower Library. BLIS will be installed on the University's IBM computer system in January 1984. [Contact; Biblio-Techniques, 828 East 7th Ave., Olympia, WA 98501, (206) 786-1111.]

Xerox desktop fax introducedXerox desktop fax introduced

A desktop facsimile terminal that can communicate with computers and other office systems has been introduced by the Xerox Corporation. Called the Telecopier 295, the unit is a Group III high-speed digital facsimile transceiver that can, through an optional RS-232C port, exchange information with a variety of computers and word processors. Information received from computers can be printed out by the 295 or redistributed to other facsimile units, which may be located anywhere in the world.

The unit can also serve as a local graphics or character printer, an auxiliary computer printer and a low-volume convenience copier, as well as a local input/output device to the host computer. This capability allows users to input hard-copy information into a computer system simply by scanning the documents.

The system automatically answers the telephone to receive information, then prints the message on a 328-foot roll of paper, cuts the copies to the size of the originals and disconnects from the line.

To send documents, a user puts up to 30 pieces of paper in the unit's automatic feeder, dials the telephone number of the receiving terminal, and presses the start/stop button to begin the scanning and transmission of documents.

The system will automatically adjust to the speed of the sending or receiving unit. In addition, a compatibility option allows it to communicate with all CCITT Group I and II analog facsimile terminals. The 295 also provides the recipient with a printed message heading on received copies showing the time, date and terminal-identification number.

Optical digital disk

Optical digital disk technology will constitute a $13 billion a year market in the U.S. alone by 1990, according to estimates by Rothchild Consultants. The firm has identified over 30 firms worldwide developing disk drives and over 40 are working on optical media--the disks themselves. While the initial applications will be aimed at the commercial sector, all organizations with data storage requirements will be affected as the industry matures in the nineties.

Easy Data update

The Easy Data Library System (LSN Vol. II, No. 11, p. 82) is now installed in 16 public and special libraries. Corporate responsibility for library programs has been assumed by the parent company, the Sydney Development Corporation. The appropriate contact for inquiries about Easy Data is now:

Oliver Pesch
Project Manager, Library Systems
Sydney Development Corporation
1385 West Eight Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3V9 Canada
(604) 734-8822

RLG fax pilot

The Sherman Fairchild Foundation has awarded $55,000 to the Research Libraries Group, Inc., for a pilot project to support interlibrary loans using telefacsimile equipment. Six RLG institutions will participate in the one-year project, scheduled to begin in October. The participants include Cornell University, Princeton University, the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa, Brigham Young University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Together these institutions account for 35 percent of RLG's interlibrary loan activity. RLIN, RLG's bibliographic utility, provides an ILL subsystem that enables RLG members to transmit their interlibrary loan requests electronically. Requests may be made for the loan of books or for photocopies of briefer materials (a chapter in a book or a journal article). The RLG telefacsimile project will evaluate the use of electronic transmission of such materials to replace mailing actual photocopies from one site to another.

The fax project has been designed to analyze the workflow and procedures involved in interlibrary loan activities, and to monitor the effect of telefacsimile equipment on the time it takes to deliver photocopies of requested materials from one institution to another.

[Contact: Barbara Brown, The Research Libraries Group, Inc., Jordan Quadrangle Stanford, CA 94305, (415) 328-0920.]

DataPhase announces Orange County benchmark

DataPhase Corporation and Orange County Public Library have announced the successful performance of a benchmark test for an automated circulation control system. Operators performed circulation and technical services functions during the one-hour peak test using DataPhase's ALIS II/E software on a Tandem Nonstop II computer.

[Contact: DataPhase, 3770 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111.]

Fiber-optic networks years from wide use

Increased cost-effectiveness and technical advantages have moved fiber optics from the research stage to commercial applications. Nonetheless, end users are unlikely to see a large number of fiber optic systems in the next few years, according to industry observers.

Most analysts agree that the key advantage of fiber-optic communications, in addition to much broader bandwidths, is the medium's immunity to electronic impulse medium (ElM) interference. The high security of the medium and the fact that the cabling takes up far less space than ordinary cabling are seen as added pluses.

Despite these advantages, the big question about fiber optics has been whether the technology could be made cost effective. The precision needed to tap into fiber systems is still too high to make use practical in any role other than as backbones to LMJs and long distance networks. The difficulty of installation and the relative immaturity of the industry puts the common use of fiber-optic systems about five years in the future.

Dan Walters, MCI vice president for transmission network engineering, has said that the company can cost-justify the effectiveness of fiber cabling in areas where there are 30,000 voice circuits or more.

Physical planning guidelines for housing library systems

Any library contracting for the installation of an automated library system will need to follow its vendor's specifications for the preparation of a site to house the central processing unit and associated peripherals. However, libraries engaged in remodeling or new constructions are often concerned to more precisely estimate their future requirements for housing an automated library system months, if not years, in advance of the procurement of a system. In addition to contacting other libraries of similar size and inspecting their facilities, the more specific detail which follows may be of assistance in such planning. The requirements presented represent the current state of the art in library automation, a state which will no doubt change over the next several years.

SPACE REQUIREMENTS First, estimate the number of CPUs to be accommodated together with the likely number of consoles with printers, the number of disk drives, line printers and magnetic tape drives. The exact number of each will depend on the sizes of the devices supplied by the vendor. Electrical and air conditioning requirements vary more than space requirements. Staff and storage space also need to be considered.

If a multiprocessor-based system is likely to be used, these usually consist of one or more data base processors linked with one or more terminal processors. Each processor has its own disk drives and shares a console. The entire system is served by one or more high- speed printer and at least one magnetic tape drive. Storage cabinets must be provided within the control room for disk packs and magnetic tapes.

In a situation with a number of remote terminals linked to the central site, rack-mounted multiplexors may be required to accommodate telecommunications linkages for the remote terminals-usually one multiplexor for each eight terminals. Each multiplexor will have a separate telephone line coming into it.

A telephone should be available for the system operator to talk with the vendor's service personnel.

Additional storage will be required outside the computer room for supplies, back-up disk packs, and shipping cartons.

Hardware. The following dimensions are based upon Digital Equipment Corporation hardware, that which is most commonly used in library applications. Dimensions are rounded upward.

• Processors (each):
  Width; 2 ft.
  Height: 3 ft. 6 in.
  Depth: 2 ft. 6 in.
  Weight: 450 lbs.
• Consoles (each, including stand);
  Width: 2 ft. 2 in.
  Height: 3 ft. 2 in
  Depth: 3 ft.
  weight: 700 lbs.
• Disk Drives (each, 300 MB size):
  Width: 2 ft.
  Height: 3 ft.
  Depth; 3 ft.
  Weight: 300 lbs.
• Printers (each):
  Width: 2 ft. 9 in.
  Height: 3 ft. 9 in.
  Depth: 2 ft. 2 in.
  weight: 370 lbs.
• Magnetic Tape Drives (each):
  Width: 1 ft. 10 in.
  Height; 3 ft. 6 in.
  Depth; 2 ft. 6 in.

Free Space. For each piece of equipment, free space should be provided to allow for air flow and maintenance. Free space requirements are:

Front of unit: 5 ft. free space
Rear of unit: 4 ft. free space

Units except for printers may be placed such that they abut other systems components (i.e., no free space at the sides), as long as specified free space is provided at the front and rear. Abutting the units increases the air conditioning requirement because more heat will have to be dissipated within each 100 square feet of space.

Disk Packs. For each data base disk drive there are usually five disks: one 'run" disk, and four backup disks. Each terminal processor disk drive has only a run disk. There are usually up to two additional disks for use by the vendor's service personnel.

The run disks are housed in the disk drives during normal operations. One set of backup disks must be stored in a remote location separate from the building to safeguard the data base in the event of a disaster. The other three sets of backup disks may be stored in the computer room.

The disks must be stored flat side down and may not be stacked. They must be stored in a dust-free environment. Disk storage cabinets may be made to order or may be purchased from a data processing supply vendor. Tightly- constructed standard metal cabinets with adjustable shelves may also be used.

Disk pack dimensions (each, 300MB size)
Diameter; 1 ft. 3 in.
Depth: 7 in.
Weight; 20 lbs.

Paper Supplies. Paper, ribbons, and other supplies may be stored outside of the computer room. Regular metal supply cabinets may be used. The quantity of supplies to be stored will depend upon the size of the library's operations and the quantities it wishes to have on hand. A library may wish to store more than a six month supply of certain items (e.g., specially printed continuous forms) to save money.

Shipping Cartons. A limited number of the cartons in which the system was shipped should be retained in case it is necessary to reship any of the components for repair or replacement. The carton should be stored outside of the computer room.

1 carton 2 ft. 6 in. x 3 ft. 6 in. x
4 ft. 2 in. @ processor
1 carton 1 ft. 11 in. x 1 ft. 2 in. x
2 ft. 3 in. @ console
1 carton 2 ft. x 1 ft. x 2 ft. 4 in. @ console stand
1 carton 3 ft. 4 in. x 2 ft. 2 in. x
3 ft. 9 in. @ disk drive
1 carton 1 ft. 9 in. x 1 ft. 9 in. x
11 in. @ disk
1 carton 3 ft. x 2 ft. 3 in. x 5 ft. @ printer
1 carton 2 ft. 6 in. x 1 ft. 9 in. x
11 in. @ tape drive component
1 carton 2 ft. 6 in. x 2 ft. x 2 ft.
8 in. @ tape drive component
1 carton 2 ft. 6 in. x 1 ft. 10 in. x 5 ft. @ tape drive component
1 cartons 2 ft. 4 in. x 1 ft. 10 in. x 1 ft. 6 in. @ multiplexor
1 cartons 1 ft. 6 in. x 1 ft. 1 in. x 8 in. @ terminal

Documentation
4 - 3 in. binders containing user instructions
6 - 3 in. binders for hardware documentation for use by vendor field service personnel

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

Processors (each):

One single phase, 3-wire, dedicated line with isolated ground, 60 HZ, 20 AMP, 12 gauge, 120 volt (+6, -10). The power line must end no further than 10 feet (300 cm) from the center rear of the processor. Extension cords are not allowed. The vendor normally provides one -NEMA 5 -2OR receptacle (Hubbell 105362 or equivalent).

Console (each):

A console is normally placed within 7 feet of its processor and is plugged into the unit, drawing its power from the processor. It does not require a separate power line.

Disk Drives (each);

One single phase, 3-wire, dedicated line with isolated ground, 60 HZ, 20 AMP, 10 gauge, 208 volt (+14.6, -29). One NEMA L6 -20R receptacle (Hubbell 2320 or equivalent).

The power line must end no further than 7 feet from the rear of the drive. Extension cords are not allowed.

Tape Drive:

One single-phase, 3-wire, dedicated line with isolated ground, 60 HZ, 20 AMp, 12 gauge, 120 volt (+6, -10). One -NEMA 5 -20R receptacle (Hubbell 105362 or eguivalent).

The magnetic tape unit's power cord is 7 feet (210 cm) long. An extension cord may be used, but must be authorized by the vendor.

Printers (each):

One single-phase, 3-wire, dedicated line with isolated ground, 60 HZ, 20 AMP, 12 gauge, 120 volt (+6, -10). One -NEMA 5 -20R receptacle (Hubbell 105262 or equivalent)., The printer's power cord is 10 feet long. An extension cord may be used, but must be authorized by the vendor. Some states require a subpanel box located in the computer room for emergency power shutoff. Consult local authorities for the regulations in your area.

Terminals:

Electrical requirements far terminals are given in the next section.

In addition, if a library experiences high electrical "noise" and line transience, power line conditioning may be required to maintain constant line voltage with low "noise" and high transience. The most important units to protect are the disk drives. Each 300 MB drive requires a line conditioner rated at 15 KVA.

Finally, each AC power receptacle should be tagged using electrical wire numbering tape to identify the subpanel box and the circuit breaker which controls it.

TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS

When estimating the number of terminals required, the following guidelines address normal, evenly distributed work- loads. In specific situations these estimates will need to be adjusted for local conditions of workflow and staff scheduling. Normally libraries should allow one terminal for each 100,000 circulations or significant fraction thereof, one for each 100 patrons coming into the building in the course of a day (for patron access catalog), one for each 10,000 monographic . items ordered each year (for acquisitions), and one for each 10,000 serial subscriptions (for serial control). Requirements also vary with the type of terminal chosen. This description, therefore, addresses the most common terminal choice.

The keyboard/display terminal may be either local or remote. A local terminal is located less than 750 feet from the control room and communicates with the system via data cables. A remote terminal is located over 750 feet from the system and usually communicates with the system over regular telephone lines.

Typically, terminal dimensions are:

Width: 1 ft. 4 in.
Height: 1 ft. 2 in.
Depth: 2 ft. 8 in.

Terminals should be installed with one foot of free space at the rear of the terminal for proper air flow. At least a four square foot surface area of workspace should be provided around each terminal for the preparation of books and other materials and for making notes.

Electrical requirements for terminals are the provision of one single-phase, 3- wire, dedicated line with isolated ground, 60 HZ, 20 AMP, 12 gauge, 120 volt (+6, -10) for every four terminals. One -NEMA 5 -20R receptacle (Hubbell 105252 or equivalent) for every terminal. The terminal's power cord is 4 feet long. Extension cords may be used, but must be authorized by the vendor.

A library is usually responsible for supplying and installing the data cable for terminals. It is normally 4- conductor, shielded cable Belden 8723 (or equivalent). For local terminals, the length of the cable should be the distance between the system and the terminal, plus an additional 7 feet at each end. For remote terminals, the length of the cable should be the distance between the terminal and the telephone jack, plus an additional 7 feet at each end. Splices and multiconnector hookups are not permitted, nor can the data cable be pulled through the same conduit as the electrical wiring. The vendor provides and installs the hooded connectors at each end of the cable for hookup.

To enable remote terminals to communicate it is necessary to have a voice grade, 2-wire, half-duplex, Series 3002 line for each terminal. It is important to note that some terminals require a voice grade 4-wire, full-duplex line. Lines should, therefore, not be pulled until the terminal selection has been made.

For each remote terminal telephone line, the telephone company will need to install demarcation blocks (type 42A) at the end of the telephone line, no more than 7 feet from the system and from the remote terminal. The telephone company must label both the transmit wire and the receive wire at the demarcation blocks.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

Multiplexors. Libraries frequently use multiplexors to reduce the cost of telecommunication with remote terminals. These requirements vary a great deal depending on the number of terminals which share a multiplexor. The following represent the requirements for the most common multiplexor type.

Multiplexors are rack-mounted. Each eight units-each serving two to eight terminals-will require the following:

width: 1 ft. 10 in.
Height: 5 ft. 6 in.
Depth: 1 ft. 8 in.

Each multiplexor requires the installation of a 4-wire, dedicated line, Series 3002, full-duplex line. The electrical requirements for each multiplexor are one single- phase, 3-wire, dedicated line with isolated ground, 60 HZ, 20 AMP, 12 gauge, 120 volt (+6, -10).

Other Telephone Requirements. A voice- grade, nondedicated, direct line telephone with a long cord should be installed adjacent to the console of a data base processor. Consult with the local telephone company for the types of equipment that are available for a high noise area.

The installation of new telephone lines frequently requires electrical considerations. Consult with your local telephone company to ensure that you meet its requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The following environmental conditions must be maintained for most systems:

Humidity: 40% to 60% non-condensing. Rate of change must not exceed 2% per hour.

Temperature:

65 to 75 degrees F (18 to 21 degrees C). Variance in temperature must not exceed 3.6 degrees F (2 degrees C) per hour.

BTU Output:

Processor - 2,500 BTUs per hour. 300 MB
Drive - 4,200 BTUs per hour.
Console - 823 BTUs per hour.
Printer - 2,335 BTUs per hour.
Mag Tape
Unit - 1,092 BTUs per hour
Per Person- 300 BTUs per hour.

Air Flow:

The air flow rate for a system depends on a combination of specific equipment and room size. It is, therefore, necessary to oversize the air handling system when the exact combination of equipment and room is not known in advance. If equipment is placed side byside without the recommended air space between units, BTU output for each piece of equipment should be increased by 50%.

The air conditioning system must provide filtering to reduce dust and other particle matter as much as possible. If salt air, corrosive gases, or other air pollutants are present, special filtering arrangements may be required and an air conditioning consultant should be contacted.

If the system is to he operated unattended for more than a few minutes at a time, the installation of automatic high-temperature power shut-off controls and/or remote high-temperature alarms should be provided in an attended location to forestall damage to the computer system in the event of air conditioning failure.

It may be desirable to arrange the air conditioning system so that it can provide ventilating air (though not necessarily cooled air) in emergency circumstances to facilitate fire fighting. Consult with local fire protection authorities for advice. The air conditioning systems should be provided with a central shut-off switch to facilitate emergency system shutdown.

For efficient cooling, a minimum clearance of 30 inches above the top of equipment cabinets is recommended.

Protection Against Static Conditions. If the library is prone to static conditions, the following is a list of precautions that may be taken to reduce the problem.

• Maintain proper humidity.
• Place each major component of the system on a non-porous, anti- static mat. Do not place the system on a carpet.
• Do not use floor wax, if the equipment is placed on a tile floor.
• Use only wooden chairs.

RECEIVING AREA REQUIREMENTS

The receiving area should be adequate to handle the delivery of the system. The receiving area should be at truck loading height and should have adequate space in which to store the system until installation personnel arrive. Hallways, doorways, and elevators should be wide enough to move the system from the receiving area to its installation site.

FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENT

Although typical library minicomputer installations have not provided fire protection beyond the hand-controlled fire extinguishers provided in computer rooms, in very large and complex installations a library may wish to consider procuring a HALON fire protection system in recognition of the sensitivity of the data, the size of the hardware configuration, and the likelihood of unattended system operation. The HALON system should provide a warning tone and a time delay before the chemical is released, so that staff may operate a manual system override in case the system is accidentally activated.

Brodart offers an "integrated" library system

At the Midwinter meeting of the American Library Association, Brodart, Inc., demonstrated its integrated approach to library automation.

The company offers a series of services on remote computing facilities based on an IBM installation in San Diego. The system is accessed by libraries using IBM terminals or telex-type terminals. Brodart presents the advantages of its approach to library automation as including the fact that a library has to make no hardware commitment, and it can undertake phased implementation- "trying" a function before signing up for its use. The combination of services offered has resulted in Brodart being recognized as a bibliographic utility in California for the purposes of library fund expenditure.

The system currently offers data base development and maintenance capabilities, cataloging support, and an online patron access catalog. Circulation control is planned, as is a link to the company's OLAS acquisitions system which is being substantially modified and upgraded. The OLAS linkage is scheduled for late 1984, and circulation is scheduled to be installed in the Anaheim Public Library in April 1984. This function is expected to be demonstrated at ALA Annual Conference in Dallas.

Records can be retrieved using control numbers such as Brodart number, LC card number or ISBN, or by author, title and subject searches. Terms used in cross-field searches of data from the author, title and subject areas are automatically ANDed by the system. Keyword access is available to any field that a library chooses to have indexed.

The source files for the system include the MARC tapes for books and audiovisual materials. Access to relevant Brodart customer files can also be arranged. The company is of the opinion that, for public libraries, its system offers a hit rate equal to that achieved on the OCLC data base. Records are mounted in full MARC format.

Libraries are offered a wide range of choices in the options they can select for the construction of their individual data bases and the formats for screen displays. They can also choose their own parameters for indexing the records and thus the selection of searchable access points.

Online authority files are supported using the data in the LC name and subject authorities. Authority control can be implemented in batch or online modes. The system does offer the capability for the online global changes of authority terms in bibliographic records, but the company attempts to restrict the use of this feature because of its potential impact on system performance. Batch processing of global authority changes is recommended.

In the cataloging support function a library searches the system data bases to retrieve relevant records which are edited on the user's screen. The system will produce catalog cards and COM catalogs as well as a machine-readable catalog of the library's records. The library's file of records is accessed for the patron access catalog functions.

Online circulation capabilities will utilize barcode technology. Overdue notices will be produced in batch mode and mailed from the Brodart facility. Some report writing functions will also be performed in batch mode.

The charges involved in using Brodart's integrated approach to library automation include:

telecommunications: these are estimated at between $1,000 and $1,500 per month. Generally, they are expected to be unaffected by the number of terminals a library has linked to the system. equipment: may be purchased or leased. The purchase price for a Telex 479 B terminal was cited as $2,500 with modem rental of $150 per month.

storage: it is estimated that the cost of storing a data base of 200,000 full MARC records will be approximately $800 per month. other: a miscellany of lesser charges will be levied for services, e.g., access to the full MARC data base is $25 per month.

The system carries no processing or transaction charges.

There are currently two libraries using the system in fully online mode. Another four are scheduled to begin once the circulation function becomes available.

[Contact: Brodart, Inc., 10983 Via Frontera, San Diego, CA 92127. (619) 451-0250.

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Maintained by Marshall Breeding

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