ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

NEW TECHNOLOGY

• California State University, Long Beach, has begun electronic transmission of approval plan bibliographic and fund accounting data. Since September 1984 the library’s INNOVACQ automated acquisitions system has routinely been receiving all approval plan information from Black- well/North America via telecommunications, eliminating the need for library staff to key in bibliographic or invoice data. The project was developed by Innovative Interfaces, the supplier of INNOVACQ, when CSU Long Beach suggested that MARC formatted records be transmitted over telephone lines for each approval shipment from Blackwell/North America’s Lake Oswego headquarters.

• CL Systems, Inc., has successfully connected its CLSI LIBS 100 System at the Peabody Institute Library, Massachusetts, with a Data Phase system at the- University of Lowell through the use of CLSI’s DataLink module. This software uses a communication link that permits searching of remote databases to find information unavailable in the library’s own system. The Peabody can search remote databases such as BRS and DIALOG, databases of libraries using LIBS 100 systems, and now the databases of libraries using other vendors’ equipment. The University of Lowell’s ALIS II system can also connect into an auto-answer port on the LIBS 100 system at the Peabody, offering full intercommunication between the two systems. For more information, contact CLSI, 1220 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02165.

• Datapro Research Corporation has published a reference guide that profiles over 1,400 publicly accessible databases in 200 subjects, and discusses 15 major online information services (including DRI, DIALOG, and CompuServe) and what their customers think of them—based on a Datapro survey of 2177 database users. The Datapro Complete Guide to Dial-Up Databases lists the name, address, telephone number, contact person, type of organization, application emphasis, scope, storage format, update frequency, cost, training, installation and documentation services, and vendors for each of the databases profiled. In looseleaf format with 600 pages, the book has both a database index and an applications index. Copies may be ordered for $145 from Datapro Research Corporation, 1805 Underwood Boulevard, Delran, NJ 08705; (800) 257-9406.

• DIALOG Information Services has made available this month the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers as THOMAS ON-LINE. The Thomas Register is a comprehensive directory of manufacturers of American products. Access points will be through specific trade and brand names, companies, and product classifications. Contact DIALOG, 3460 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304; (800) 227-1927.

• Personal Bibliographic Software, Inc., has developed a Biblio-Link software program that can download and reformat bibliographic records from OCLC, RLIN, or DIALOG into the company’s Professional Bibliographic System database. The latter system produces attractive, correctly punctuated and formatted bibliographies. The programs are available for all IBM compatibles. Contact: Personal Bibliographic Software, P.O. Box 4250, Ann Arbor, MI 48106; (313) 996-1580.

• Sharp Electronics Corporation has developed a coin-operated photocopier with a voice synthesizer that gives verbal instructions. The SF-815CN model will tell the user when he or she has not selected the right paper size or has forgotten to remove the original. Other highlights include a dual cassette system, setting for two vend rates, automatic change function, bypass service key, two-key security system, and cash accountability with three meters. For more information, contact Joseph Cas- trianni, Copier Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation, 10 Sharp Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652; (201)265-5600.