ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

New Technology

• At the American Optometrie Association Symposium on Vision in the High Tech Society in Washington on March 20, optometrist Vince King spoke on the hazards associated with video display terminals (VDTs). Common eye complaints of VDT operators include headaches, blurred vision at near and far seeing distances, itching and burning eyes, eye fatigue, flickering sensations, and double vision. King said that routine data entry tasks create the most complaints about vision, and that bifocal wearers may be the most susceptible because the traditional bifocal is positioned too low and is probably too strong a power for looking at a VDT. King said that eyestrain can be reduced by restructuring mundane tasks, and he cited one study in which productivity improved and complaints decreased when data entry was divided into 40-minute batches. Breaks were spent looking into the distance or doing tasks requiring minimum visual effort.

• The Biblio–Techniques Library and Information System (BLIS) has been acquired by Indiana University for its circulation and technical processing. When fully operational, the software will serve all Indiana University campuses.

• Micrographic Systems of Connecticut, New Haven, has contracted with the Women’s History Research Center in Berkeley, California, to produce the Center’s publications on silver film. The Center distributes materials on women and history, law, health, and mental health. For more information, contact the Women’s History Research Center, 2325 Oak St., Berkeley, CA 94708; (415) 548-1770.

• The New York Library-Line (NYLINE) began operating on May 1 when over 50 libraries and library systems in the state launched a subset of the American Library Association’s electronic information service, ALANET. NYLINE members can use ALANET for electronic mail service and obtain the New York State Library’s electronic newsletter, NYLINE News. The costs for the network are being supported by Title III Library Services and Construction Act funds. NYLINE members currently include 22 public library systems, 9 research library systems, and 12 school library systems.

• The Pine Cone is marketing a light-weight vacuum cleaner called Mini-Vac that is designed for cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of microcomputers, typewriters, and other office equipment. Mini–Vac runs on a 9-volt alkaline battery, has two different interchangeable wands and bristle brushes, and is only 5 inches long. The machine costs $29.95 (plus $2 handling) and may be ordered from the Pine Cone, Blake Building, Dept. CRN- 85, Box 1378, Gilroy, CA 95021.

• The University of Michigan Library, Ann Arbor, has acquired seventy Zenith-150 microcomputers for staff use from Zenith Data Systems. Each 320K, dual-disc machine includes an internal modem, printer, and integrated software package. The selection of Zenith equipment was based on a review of available hardware by library staff and available pricing agreements for computer equipment made with the University. Zenith has donated an additional fifty Zenith-150 machines which will be placed in the Undergraduate Library’s Microcomputer Center jointly operated by the Library and the Computer Center. Michigan plans to use its microcomputer network for word processing, electronic mail, and electronic conferences for staff to discuss issues and assist each other in using the machines more effectively.

The Library expects that the enhanced communication capability will help tie together its geographically distributed staff. The availability of word processing and editing capabilities will provide critical support for writing and maintaining files of written material. Branch libraries will be able to access the Library’s holdings. The Library hopes to evaluate the impact of the deployment of microcomputers among staff. Such a study might identify specific characteristics of the changes taking place in the library environment.

• The University of Missouri Libraries have installed an online catalog on campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, and St. Louis. The catalog, called LUMIN (Libraries of the University of Missouri Information Network), is based on software developed by the Washington Library Network. The WLN software was modified to operate as a user-friendly public access catalog. Missouri is also planning to acquire a Biblio–Techniques circulation system.