Library Technology Guides

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Volume 6 Number 08 (August 1986)

BLIS problems / lessons to be learned

Reports of the imminent demise of Biblio-Techniques Library and Information System, Inc. (BLIS) have circulated within the library community over the course of the past several months. (LSN editors reported in the June issue that BLIS corporate officials, at that time, denied rumors of impending bankruptcy.) The ALA meeting in New York brought fresh stories about the troubles faced by BLIS and its customers. The editors again approached BLIS and spoke with Richard Woods, Director of Marketing. Mr. Woods informed LSN that contrary to the rumors, BLIS technically had not filed for bankruptcy, but that it "has critical problems before it which we hope can be resolved in the future." Mr. Woods was unwilling to discuss or comment upon the situation any further, though he promised to keep LSN editors informed as developments warrant.

However, other sources have told LSN that customers were notified by BLIS in June that "the company is in the process of effecting an orderly termination of business, including the transfer of source code with documentation to customer sites." LSN has been told that the company has let go all staff except principals. Given the limited staff available for technical and support assistance, BLIS apparently has ceased to support existing systems, though jobs in progress at various sites are being completed where possible.

The editors believe that the circumstances faced by BLIS and its six library customers warrant some attention in the literature. It is hoped that libraries will be able to benefit from the experiences of these in order to minimize, if not avoid, similar difficulties resulting from the loss of an online vendor.

The BLIS software package is based on software developed by the Western Library Network (WLN) for its bibliographic utility system, and which was also sold to the national libraries of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as to two universities in the U.S. A license agreement between WLN and BLIS to enhance and market the WLN software, and to bundle it with hardware as a turnkey system, was signed in 1981. More specifically, what BLIS offered was an integrated online system using the WLN computer software, the ADABAS Data Base Management system, the COMPLETE Teleprocessing Monitor, and IBM compatible hardware. All software is compatible with standard IBM operating systems.

The BLIS system provides for automated technical processing and acquisitions controls, circulation control, an online catalog, a catalog management system for original cataloging and management of machine-readable archive tapes, and a networking system that supports resource sharing. The software has been available for purchase as a package or as a turnkey system configured on IBM or IBM-compatible 370, 43xX and 30XX series hardware. By late 1983, BLIS had made sales to two universities, and a third was about to embark on a six-month demonstration installation. Currently, there are six customers, including: Brown University, Columbia University, Indiana University, Metropolitan Toronto Public Reference Library, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of California, San Diego. Other libraries, most notably Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University, had signed agreements with BLIS but for one reason or another over the course of the last two years, severed their relationships before the most recent problems arose.

The number of BLIS customers is relatively small and homogenous and also consists of institutions with considerable data processing expertise within the library and/or campus computer center. These circumstances may make undertaking various remedial actions easier than if, for example, BLIS customers included various types and sizes of institutions. Despite this relative homogeneity, when considering what actions the six customers can take, one must appreciate that each faces different problems and challenges. For starters, while some of these libraries' systems are operational, often have not yet loaded the data base. Then, the depth of involvement in terms of in-house system staff, and their abilities to perform maintenance and developmental work varies among the six institutions. Finally, the availability of an appropriate existing alternative in-place system varies. Each customer, therefore, has been forced to assess its requirements in order to decide whether to maintain the existing system or investigate other alternatives.

Among the BLIS customers, three courses of action are currently being considered: (a) Direct licensing of the WLN software, upon which the BLIS software is based; (b) the creation of a consortium of some or all of the BLIS customers to undertake collective maintenance and enhancement efforts; and (c) mounting other software on the existing hardware. Questions remain about the viability of each option, and discussions are continuing among the customers, WLN, and BLIS. Also, very much concerned are campus data processing, library, legal and administrative personnel. LSN has learned that in some instances library officials have already forwarded recommendations to campus officials for review and approval, though apparently no decisions have been made public as yet. Conclusions and press announcements can be expected by mid-fall of this year.

With the current news about BLIS, libraries are reminded of the inherent risks connected with the automated library systems marketplace. Difficulties similar to those encountered by the six BLIS customers have been faced by others in the past, most notably by customers of 3M, Cincinnati Electronics, Decicom, Data Phase ALIS II and III, and Systems Control. Though similar, however, each of these situations was also unique. The BLIS customers are generally better off since: 1) their software is built around a kernel which is still being supported by the original licensor, WLN; 2) IBM or IBM-PC hardware is used which has at least two other software packages (DOBIS and NOTIS) available for it; and 3) each site has considerable in-house systems expertise. In contrast, Cincinnati Electronics and Decicom customers had no alternative source of software support (they had Sperry Varian and General Automation hardware respectively, for which there was no other software; and the customers generally lacked systems expertise). Data Phase ALIS II customers are still getting limited software support from Data Phase and they also are in a position to switch to either OCLC LS/2000 or Georgetown Medical's LIS software which can be mounted on their Data General hardware. And while ALIS II customers may, in general, lack systems expertise, they number nearly 50 institutions and thus represent an attractive market for other vendors. Data Phase ALIS III users had the option of contracting with UTLAS, the purchaser of the ALIS III software product, or mounting Eyring's CARL software on their Tandem hardware and, while many of them lack systems expertise, almost all of them have experienced systems managers. Systems Control customers also continue to obtain limited software support from their vendor and they have Digital hardware for which other software is available. However, these systems are now under-configured and would require major hardware upgrades. The 3M customers had no alternatives for either software or hardware, but no money was lost since they had contracts which called for the entire payment to be made on acceptance, which never occurred because the company withdrew from the market before completing the software installation.

It could be said that the choice of a vendor that does not have an installed base of at least 20 sites and current sales of at least 10 systems a year is a high risk option. Without such a base, company revenues will not be great enough to fund both vigorous software development and marketing. In this regard, Cincinnati Electronics, Decicom, BLIS, and 3M were all high risks when libraries made their purchases. The choice of a vendor with a large installed base and strong sales, however, is also not without risk. Data Phase met these criteria and generally was perceived to be a low risk option until it ran into difficulty with its attempts to develop ALIS III in addition to ALIS II and experienced serious cash flow problems. A vendor severely limits the options of its customers should it cease to support the product if it does not provide access to source code data by placing it in escrow. While BLIS and Data Phase customers generally have escrow clauses in their contracts, customers of Decicom and Systems Control did not.

When a vendor is the only one to use a particular hardware, libraries do not have the option of mounting other software on the existing hardware. Cincinnati Electronics and Decicom customers, for example, had to purchase both new hardware and software.

Most of the libraries did not have performance bonds in their contracts, in some cases because the vendor was not bondable, but in a majority of cases because they did not seek them. Cincinnati Electronics, Systems Control and 3M are all companies for which library automation was a minor part of the total corporate activity. The danger was loss of interest, rather than total failure of the company. At least one Systems Control customer did have a bond and recovered several hundred thousand dollars. The 3M customers had payment terms tied to completion and acceptance.

While libraries cannot expect to eliminate all risk, there are things they can do to reduce the risks. They can: ask vendors to demonstrate their viability by submitting financial statements, ascertain what support will be available in case the vendor ceases to maintain and develop the product, determine what other software will run on the hardware being purchased, and specify a performance bond. If the library cannot get all of these protections, it should decide whether the higher level of risk is justified by the superiority of the software. If it is, the library administration should be sure to apprise staff and higher level administration in the parent institution of the potential risks.

VDT guidelines

The Center for Office Technology has issued a handy pamphlet for users of visual display terminals (VDT) which outlines ways for users to get the most out of their equipment. The pamphlet provides helpful suggestions for employer and employee alike in terms of chair adjustment organization of the work area, adjustment of the terminal itself to minimize glare and increase eye comfort, lighting, the use and adjustment of document holders, general vision care, the benefits of work breaks, and an operator's checklist. The approach taken by the pamphlet is basic, but all too often in our haste or in our concerns over the "big picture," we fail to appreciate the more basic elements which might be helpful in small ways.

Also available from the Center is a summary of effective use principles for video display terminals. The Center has developed these principles to aid employers in establishing an efficient and safe workplace environment where automation is being used or introduced. The effective use principles are exerpted below:

(1) workstation flexibility: since there is no single best way to promote employee comfort, flexibility is a major advantage. Employers should promote flexibility and encourage their staffs to take advantage of what is provided. Detachable keyboards, screen contrast controls, adjustable chairs (seat height and backrest), desk top heights which permit sufficient leg movement below, a wrist rest, foot rest and document holder are all available to enhance comfort and increase productivity.

(2) workstation location or environment: the illumination level should be predicated on the nature of the entire task being performed in an area, not just the paperwork or terminal operation. Particular attention should be paid to glare, with reflective light desirable. Terminal operators generally appreciate lower lighting levels than common standard office environments. Recornmended levels range from 400 to 800 lux, with the lower levels generally preferred by full-time operators. Individually adjustable lighting is highly desirable. The terminals should be located in a way which allows for heat distribution away from the operator to eliminate discomfort.

(3) modification of routines: when work activity requires long periods of routine duties, employees likely will benefit from a change in the routine, exercise, a break including a walk around the building, etc.

(4) <>b>vision care: studies have shown that VDT work does not affect workers' eyes differently than other detailed work. No special vision care is required, though because so much of the working population has uncorrected vision, employers should encourage employees to have their vision checked regularly. The distance at which terminals are placed may require glasses, etc. for people who have tance. In addition, where terminal positioning fails to eliminate glare, employees have found relief with antiglare treatments such as mesh screens, filters, polarized glass, etc.

(5) pregnancy considerations: much has been made about the impact of VDT use on pregnant women and women in child bearing ages. Much confusion abounds, though according to the Center, no scientific research suggests that pregnant employees need to be concerned with radiation health effects (see related story in this issue). Regardless of the evidence, some people feel that VDT use can adversely affect their health, and as such, it is important that employers address the concerns by providing adequate information. The Center reports that some work places have invited local obstetricians and gynecologists to meet with employees to discuss concerns and review the scientific literature. Some offices permit pregnant women to work in a non-VDT job upon request, if such a transfer is possible for the short term. While these efforts may not affect the specific work environment, they may reduce the employee's anxiety and concern.

(6) employee communication: employees should provide information on effective VDT use and should continue to encourage dialog between supervisors and managers to help create a satisfactory work environment. The Center for Office Technology is a national coalition of employers, manufacturers and associations[Contact: Center for Office Technology, 1801 K Street, NW, Suite 905L, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 452-9060.]

Health issues and Video Display Terminals

With the increasing use of video display terminals in information processing generally, has come an increase in concern about health issues stemming from radiation emissions from the terminals (see related story in this issue).

Cataracts, reproductive problems, and skin rashes which are alleged to result from radiation exposure have been reported by VDT operators. Controversy abounds on the subject, but William E. Murray, Chief Radiation Section, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science, in "Video Display Terminals: Radiation Issues" (Library High Tech, Vol. 3, #4. pp. 43-47) goes a long way towards dispelling the concern about the health issues. The article presents a review of the related testing that has been performed and summarizes the results. In conclusion, the author confirms that indeed radiation is emitted from terminals, but that the levels emitted are below the occupational standards existing in the United States. In many cases, the levels are in fact below the capability of the survey instrumentation used. The author notes that the evidence indicates clearly that the emissions do not present a radiation hazard to the operator, including concerns about the occurrence of cataracts, birth defects, miscarriages, or skin rashes.

LC's bibliographic flip project completed

The Library of Congress has recently completed its "Bibliographic Flip," a thirty month project designed to update headings in records on the Library's MARC books data base to their AACR2 forms. The project was reported completed as of late March, the result of which is the enhancement of consistency of bibliographic data in these records along with improved effectiveness of automated searching and retrieval. Effective January 1981, LC began cataloging under the provisions of AACR2, rules which entailed changes in the forms of headings used to access bibliographic records. The result was a data base with a mixture of headings forms and in many cases the records for a single author existed in two forms, thus making retrieval more difficult. To overcome this problem, the MARC name authority records which were changed to reflect the new headings and cross references from the old headings were retained. The project resulted in changes to over 238,000 MARC records, or one tenth of the entire data base. LC's Cataloging Distribution Service has provided all the changed records to service subscribers. The changes, therefore, should be reflected in bibliographic utility and bibliographic service data bases in the near future. MARC map and serial records were not within the scope of the original project, but will be corrected as resources permit.

OPTICAL compact disk standard proposed

The Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, the so-called High Sierra Group, disbanded last month at the National Computer Conference, but not before announcing agreement on a proposed CD-ROM standard. The panel, comprising thirteen hardware and software manufacturers, including Apple Computer, Digital Equipment, Hitachi, Microsoft, Philips, Sony and 3M, announced a proposed logical-file-format for optical compact disks used as data disks and has forwarded the draft standard to NISO 239 (National Information Standards Organization), and the European Optical Disk Forum. The European Optical Disk Forum is expected to pass the proposed standard onto the International Standards Organization (ISO). The proposed standard, which is already supported by Microsoft, Sony and Philips, will ensure that disks manufactured according to the standard will be readable on any player attached to any computer running on any operating system. The expectation is that with agreement on such standards, more publishers will be willing to distribute their products on optical disks, thus increasing the demand for disk drives on the part of information users. The new standard is compatible with the CD-Interactive file-level standard supported by Philips and Sony. CD-Interactive is based on the same physical format as CD-ROM and stipulates how text, video, audio, executable code, and graphics are encoded, in addition to how the layout of files is handled on the disk.

WLN develops optical disk data base

The Western Library Network (WLN) announced recently that it will place on three CD-ROM disks the listings of over 8.5 million holdings of more than 200 libraries throughout the network. Dubbed LaserCat, the data base will include LC records older than two years as well as 2.5 million records from the WLN online users. The system will be in production and available to libraries by early 1987. Though the product will be available to institutions anywhere, WLN will focus its sales effort on the Northwest market because the holdings statements will be of interest primarily to local institutions for use in catalog and interlibrary loan support.

Subscribers will receive quarterly cumulative updates, with each three-disk update serving as a total revision, completely replacing all previous disks.

The hardware required, as of this writing, will be Hitachi drives, though WLN is considering the support of both Sony and Philips equipment. The interface between the disk and personal computer will be handled by Hitachi low level direct calls, which will be released by Hitachi along with the sale of the hardware. The search software, WLN's own, will run on WIN Its and IBM PCs (tests are underway to determine further compatibility).

Access will include searching by author, title, subject, keyword, truncated browse, two-level Boolean, LCCN, ISBN, and ISSN, with qualification by government or non-government printing, date, types of material, etc. Scoping also will be possible to allow users to search the holdings of their own library, those of a selected group of libraries, or all libraries in the data base.

[Contact: WIN, Washington State Library, AJ-ll, Olympia, WA 98504, (206) 459-6518.]

Canon USA introduces IBM PC-compatible

Canon USA has introduced a new IBM PC-compatible with its A-200I1 Series, available in both floppy and hard disk models. The A-20011 Floppy Disk Model includes a monochrome CRT, 256KB standard memory, two 5 1/4-inch floppy disk drives with 360KB each, Centronics-type parallel interface, serial data interface, six expansion slots, and a standard PC-compatible keyboard. The A-200II Hard Disk Model includes the same specifications, but will have a 5 1/4-inch floppy disk drive with 360KB and one 2OMB hard disk drive. Other features include an 8086 16-bit microprocessor with a choice of cpu process clock rates (standard 4.77MHZ for normal usage, or 7.16MHz for higher speed dp work). The dual clock will make the processor considerably faster than the IBM-PC. Both models have 256 KB capacity, expandable to 640KB. Also available are two keyboards (one standard and one designed for word processing) and color or monochrome monitors. A mouse can be connected directly to either the keyboard without an extra card. The A-20011 has six expansion slots, three of which are 8-bit 16-bit data bus types. The prices for the Floppy Disk model is $1,995, while the Hard Disk model is $3,995.

Plastic ink used in color ink-jet printer

Howtek Inc.'s recently developed PixelMaster color ink-jet printer uses 32 ink jets to produce what is claimed to be near offset quality performance. The printer provides raised text and color graphics output with a resolution of 240 x 240 dots per inch on standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. The price is $2,995. The PixelMaster, unlike other ink-jet printers, uses a solid plastic ink, designed to minimize the smudging and clogging which often develop in water or oil-based traditional ink-jet printers. In the PixelMaster, the plastic ink from a crayon-like rod is melted, thus permitting the ink to be sprayed as a liquid before solidifying instantly on contact with the paper. Four basic colors (magenta, yellow, black, and cyan) are used to provide the capability of producing 250,000 shades of color. The printer has 20 black ink jets which provide for printing a page of text in approximately 30 seconds, has 16 fonts contained in plug-in cartridges, and can reproduce images entered into computers from optical and image scanners. The printer is designed as a free standing floor model and will be available in the early fall.

[Contact: Howtek, Inc., 21 Park Avenue, Hudson, NH 03051.]

LCD linked with overhead projector

Sayett Technology, a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak, has introduced a projection system that marries liquid crystal display (LCD) technology to an overhead projector. The Sayett System 10 uses a standard LCD panel that can be connected to a computer and placed on the glass plate of an overhead projector. Instead of reflecting light that has been taken in as is the case with LCD equipment, the system passes light through to the overhead projector. The system includes an electronic control board and LCD panel that allows for the projection of digitized text or graphics generated from an IBM PC or compatible. A standard 9-pin ROB port on the computer, or modem for remote presentation, is required for connecting the system. The Sayett supports output in monochrome or one tinted color. The system will include a graphics presentation program called Show Partner which can be used to develop slide-show like presentations of both graphic and textual material in a pretimed sequence. The Sayett 10 system is available for $1,200.

[Contact: Sayett Technology, 1133 Mt. Read Blvd., Rochester, NY 14606, (716) 458-0177.]

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