ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

NEW TECHNOLOGY

•Alos Micrographics Corporationhas introduced a new microfiche reader family, the FRF 27 series of three models. The FRF-11 features a compact, 11-inch screen with a 75 % image. The 27-14 offers a 14-inch screen for full-sized reading of source documents, COM, or jacketed material, while the 27-17 has a full 18-inch screen for dualpage viewing. A variety of lenses is available for all standard reduction ratios. Contact Alos Micrographics Corporation, P.O. Box 407, Walden, NY 12586; (914) 778-7511.

•Bibliographic Retrieval Servicesnow offers Robotics Information (RBOT), a new database produced by Cincinnati Milacron Industries that provides access to current journal articles, newsletters, conference papers, government documents, books, and other sources in all aspects of the robotics field. The database offers controlled vocabulary access by standard business and industrial subject descriptors as well as free-text access to common terminology and industry jargon. Most citations include abstracts. Contact BRS Customer Service, 1200 Route 7, Latham, NY 12110; (800) 833-4707.

• Data Courierhas published a Guide to Searching ONTAP ABI/INFORM, a free workbook designed for use with the special ONTAP training file on the DIALOG system. The guide may prove useful for librarians, information specialists, and personal computer users who want to search online business information. For a free copy, contact Data Courier, 620 South Fifth St., Louisville, KY 40202; (800) 626-2823.

•IBM Corporationhas been chosen as the supplier for OCLC’s new Model 300 terminal. The IBM personal computer, customized by OCLC, will enable a library to access OCLC’s central online system for OCLC processes and products as well as run IBM-compatible software locally. Some of OCLC’s custom modifications include the OCLC telecommunications protocol, a terminalchaining capability, a special keyboard, and the ALA character set. OCLC already has under development software enhancements and its Micro Enhancer project which streamlines OCLC Interlibrary Loan functions. OCLC expects the Model 300 terminal to be available for installation in early

1984. Contact OCLC, 6565 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017; (614) 764-6000.

The IBM personal computer has also been chosen by the Washington Library Network as its WLN terminal. The PC will be modified to meet WLN specifications and will be available to WLN participants by the end of 1983. Like the OCLC terminal, the WLN model will be used for IBM- compatible software and as an interface to local systems.

•Infortext Systems,Schaumburg, Illinois, has recently introduced a security system for coinoperated copiers that may help to reduce breakdowns, improve copier cash flow, and keep accurate usage records. The CC3 Copytex system uses cards with a predetermined value and a microprocessor-based terminal placed on the copier along with or as a replacement for the coin device. The terminal decreases the value of the card as copies are made. A usage scale on the cards allows users to see the remaining value of a card at all times. The CopyCheck cards are read by a magnetic stripe and compared to a card texture reading unique to each card; if the “fingerprint” does not match, the card is rejected, reducing if not eliminating counterfeit cards. Up to 1,000 unique accounts can be assigned to individuals or departments to track copies made and allocate copy costs. An optional Multiple Charge Rate feature allows for variations on per-copy charges based on copy volume, paper size, reduction, or other special features. For more information, contact Infortext Systems, Inc., 1067 E. State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL 60195-4559; (312) 490-1155.

•Small Library Computing,Dresher, Pennsylvania, has developed a microcomputer program for the production of catalog cards, ULTRACARD, which runs on the IBM PC and PC-XT computer with 128K memory, two disk drives, PC- DOS, and a printer. Special features are userfriendly instructions and messages written by a librarian, full-screen editing, and 29 different values to control card format. For more information, contact Small Library Computing, 837 Twining Road, Dresher, PA 19025; (215) 884-1722.

•SoftwAre Reports,an updated reference manual designed for educators, libraries, and home owners, reviews 382 educational software programs for Apple, Atari, Commodore, IBM-PC, and TRS-80 computers. Programs in 20 subject areas are evaluated for students from pre-school through college, adults, and special education students. Regular updates will review approximately 100 additional educational programs. An independent software review board, the Evaluation Committee, spent over 1,000 hours researching and evaluating the programs and writing product summaries. The book is available for $39.95, plus $3 shipping and handling, from Allenbach Industries, 2101 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008; (800) 854-1516.

• Standard Change-Makers,Indianapolis, now offers a series of wall or floor-mounted coin changers operated by a microprocessor with a selfdiagnostic, 6-digit, LED read-out programmed to control all change-making functions. Through the electronics board, the changer adds, subtracts, accumulates, audits all transactions, and diagnoses problems easily. A single overpayment will automatically cause the changer to shut down.

Multiple-hopper models can change $5 bills and feature a control panel with switches that enable the owner to vary the number of coins to be dispensed from each hopper as return change. For further information, contact Standard Change-Makers, Inc., 422 E. New York St., Indianapolis, IN 46202; (317) 639-3423.

•Superindex,a new interdisciplinary database consisting of back-of-the-book indexes of nearly 2,0 professional-level reference books in science, engineering, and medicine, is available online through BRS at $1 per connect minute. The several million index entries provide rapid access to specific pages in important reference books and will be updated and expanded as new books are published and new publishers are selected for inclusion. For further information, contact Superindex, Inc., 2000 Corporate Blvd., N.W., Boca Raton, FL 33431; (305) 994-6553. ■■