ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

New Technology

• Alos Micrographics Corporation, has devel- oped a compact microfilmer that weighs only 38 pounds and occupies less space than a typewriter. The Simplex Camera 16 will film documents of all types and colors that can be sheet-fed into the camera. Maximum document size is 11 by 17 inches. The resolution is very high—over lp/mm. Contact Alos Micrographics Corp., P.O. Box 407, Walden, NY 12586; (914) 778-7511.

• Barcode Industries has introduced special ver- sions of its MindReader series of bar code readers that are compatible with online library systems. Models MR-200 and MR-230 may be used for terminals on OCLC systems and Model MR-300 is to be used with the CLSI system. The readers automatically recognize and decode all popular sym- bologies, including Codabar and Code 39, the two most widely used in library systems. The readers can be equipped with contact light pens or a table- mounted laser scanner. Prices range from $595 to $740. Contact Barcode Industries, Inc., 17 Bar- stow Road, Great Neck, NY 11021; (516) 466-5770.

• CLSI’s LIBS 100 System, an integrated library automation system, now has the capability of processing codes generated by Chinese, Japanese and Korean (CJK) language data entry. The system was demonstrated at the IFLA Convention last summer in Chicago on an RLG CJK Terminal developed by the Transtech International Corporation. CLSI and Transtech are developing the LIBS 100/CJK for libraries in Taiwan and other East Asian markets. Transtech’s new terminal, SINO- TERM III, with the specific capabilities required of a local data entry and inquiry terminal, will be used in the library system. The final product will be introduced upon completion of negotiations with the Research Libraries Group concerning the use of RLG’s East Asian Character Code. The uniqueness of Transtech’s SINOTERM approach lies in the definition of a set of 245 basic ideograms and a set of typing rules following the natural writing stroke sequence of Chinese characters. The 179-key keyboard can create 13,000 Chinese characters (classical and simplified), including Japanese Kanji and Chinese as used in Korea. Additionally, 150 Japanese Kana and 1,900 Korean characters may be composed, and other characters can be added as required. For more information, contact CL Systems, Inc., 1220 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02165; (617) 965-6310.

• The Design of Interactive Computer Displays: A Guide to the Select Literature, edited by Kate McGee (692 pages, July 1985), is the first volume in a set of four reference books that will make up a complete guide to significant information sources on computer display design. The book reviews 301 titles from several disciplines, including engineering technology, computer graphics, cartography, and perceptual and cognitive science. With an emphasis on the user-computer interaction, the book covers equipment limits and potentials, the information presented on-screen, and thė user’s constraints and capabilities. The book costs $125 and may be ordered from the Report Store, 910 Massachusetts St., Suite 503, Lawrence, KS 66044; (913) 842-7348. ISBN 0-916313-08-5.

• Dukane Corporation has developed a 35-mm microfilm reader with 360° optical image rotation, adjustable screen angle, convenient scan control, variable light intensity, a three-digit counter for reference and locating, and a motorized film drive in high and low speeds. The new model, MMR 16 + 35, also features six interchangeable snap-in lenses with magnifications ranging from 15x to 48x. Contact the Dukane Corporation, Audio Visual Division, 2900 Dukane Drive, St. Charles, IL 60174; (312) 584-2300.

• Eastman Kodak Company has introduced a color video imager which produces a high-quality instant print of video images displayed on television screens and other video monitors. The hybrid film/electronics device is designed for use with Kodak T rimprint instant color film. The video imager is also plug-in compatible with RGB monitors typically used by personal computers with electronic spreadsheet software that features integrated graphic displays. The film comes in packs of 10 individual pictures at a cost of less than $1 each. Exposure takes only a tenth of a second and the print is ready in less than two minutes. The first units will go on sale early next year at a list price of $700. Contact Eastman Kodak Co., 343 State St., Rochester, NY 14650; (716) 724-4241.

• Georgia State University introduced in Sep- tember an online catalog being marketed as PALS (Project for Automated Library Systems) by Sperry UNI V AC and developed by Mankato State University in Minnesota. The online catalog contains the machine-readable records for Georgia State’s Pullen Library and the GSU Law Library. The libraries have dubbed the new catalog OLLI (On- Line Library Information).

• Micro Design is now marketing a DC580 mi- crofiche reader/printer with a coin box attachment that allows users to make their own copies. An Auto-Exposure assist allows for quality first-time copies, and the printer requires no warm-up time to function properly. The reader can be activated separately from the printer for long periods of time at an energy-efficient level. For more information, contact Micro Design, a Division of Bell & Howell, 857 W. State St., Hartford, WI 53027; (414) 673- 3920.

• NOTIS, Northwestern University’s auto- mated library system, went online last March with its new circulation module. The new module offers completely online file updating for all the circulation functions. It supports both regular and hourly checkouts, using machine-readable identifiers for patron and material identification. Northwestern is using laser scanners for the circulation of materials and is printing date due slips at the charge desks. Over a million pieces were barcoded last year in a massive project which involved all of the library staff. The NOTIS automation system is available to other libraries. Contact NOTIS, Northwestern University Library, 1935 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201; (312) 491-7004.

• STN International, the information network that offers CAS Online and Physics Briefs, has made available five new databases: MATH, an online version of Zentralblatt fur Mathe- matik/Mathematics Abstracts, 1972 to present; NTIS, corresponding to Government Reports Announcements & Index, 1964 to present; VtB, all documents in the Verfahrenstechnische Berichte from 1966 to present; DETEC, containing information on the manufacture of apparatus in the field of environmental engineering; and DEQUIP, concerned with technical equipment in the fields of chemical engineering and biotechnology. STN International is offered cooperatively through the American Chemical Society and the West German Fachinformationszentrum Energie, Mathematik GmbH. Contact STN-Columbus, American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, P.O. Box 2228, Columbus, OH 43202; (614) 421- 3600.

• University Microfilms International has devel- oped a prototype Information Delivery Module to support local and remote document retrieval and to integrate information searching, ordering, and delivery. The system is composed of a desktop electronic printer, a facsimile interface, an optical disk storage module, and database retrieval software. A demonstration at the IFLA conference in Chicago this summer featured the system’s access to distributed databases of articles and indexes on optical disc, as well as access to online databases coupled with electronic or postal article delivery. The workstation can be integrated with the OCLC M300 or an IBM-compatible PC. Contact UMI, 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106; (313) 761-4700.

• The University of Florida Foundation has pro- duced a computer-assisted instruction video program called “How to Search OCLC.” The program runs both on the OCLC M300 and on an IBM PC and has a large file of practice examples selected and matched at random, allowing for continually different combinations. It avoids library jargon. The program was designed by members of the Catalog Department at the University of Florida Libraries to improve the quality of staff training. It teaches many details not commonly encountered, but important for accurate searching. Much of the program is run like a video game, with colorful graphics and optional sound effects. Users who do well on the comprehensive Grand Slam Exam section are entered on the disc’s “Hall of Fame.” The cost is $245. Contact the University of Florida Foundation, Room 217 Library West, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611; (904) 392-0342.

• UT1.AS, Inc., has begun the retrospective conversion of some 600,000 records for the McGill University Libraries, one of the largest such projects undertaken in Canada. The project will upgrade all records to MARC standards and reclassify some of the University’s older collections. Anastas- sia Khouri St-Pierre is McGill’s systems librarian responsible for the library’s automation project.

• The Washington University School of Medi- cine Library, St. Louis, has been awarded a contract by the Institute of Scientific Information to provide Current Contents online to faculty, staff and students at the Medical Center. This ISI service reproduces the tables of contents of scientific journals and distributes these in weekly compilations. The pilot project covers two areas: 1) the application of new technology to make information more readily available and less costly; and 2) investigation into the uses of Current Contents in science and industry. The Institute is providing support services and a database covering the physical, life, clinical, and agricultural sciences. The Library and the University’s Medical Computing Facility has developed software for accessing Current Contents through its BACS integrated library system and is studying information needs and uses for research, teaching, and patient care.

• Xerox Corporation has begun a copy vending program called Card-Op that allows libraries to provide copy service to users without investment or management responsibility. Xerox 1045 copiers are used equipped with an accessory for coin or magnetic-card operation or both. All hardware and supplies are provided and maintained by Xerox at no financial risk to the library. After a minimum revenue is obtained each month, a percentage of the additional revenue is shared with the library. The coin operation device is also offered with Xerox copiers on a conventional rental agreement, buth the magnetic-card system is available only in conjunction with the Card-Op contract. The library can set its own copy price, anywhere from 5 cents to $1.55. If a coin-operated device is installed, a bonded third-party agent collects the coins, restocks the changer, and takes all meter readings for the customer. If receipts fall below a specified monthly average over a period of six months, the arrangement is re-evaluated and the library may be asked to relinquish the copier. Contact Xerox Corporation, Xerox Square 006, Rochester, NY 14644; (716) 423-5078.