ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

NEW TECHNOLOGY

• The H. W. Wilson Company now offers a CD-ROM retrieval service called WILSONDISC that allows both CD-ROM access to bibliographic data on an optical disc searchable through a microcomputer, and online access through the WILSONLINE retrieval system and WILSEARCH software to the most current data or other Wilson databases not yet available in CD format. WILSONDISC features four different access modes of increasing complexity: Browse, WILSEARCH, WILSONLINE, and Expert. The latter mode offers the same search capabilities as WILSONLINE, but with expanded screen handling and windowing functions, and a continuous view of search strategy development through the use of a log screen. Twelve different databases, including the Humanities Index, the Index to Legal Periodicals, and Library Literature, will be accessible when the service begins later this year. Full details will be announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting. Contact the H.W. Wilson Co., 950 University Ave., Bronx, NY 10452; (212) 588-8400.

• K-F Industries is marketing a surface water alarm system that immediately detects surface water incursion and displays the distance to the leak on a digital read-out. When water touches the sensing cable of the Model #333 alarm system, an alarm sounds in the controller that calculates the distance to the point on the cable first contacted by the leak. Contact: K-F Industries, Inc., 2310 N. American St., Philadelphia, PA 19133; (213) 425-7710.

• Lundia has introduced an improved mobile storage system, the Fullspace FS 2000, that offers three operational options—manual, mechanical assist, and electrical. The primary design criterion was to provide a cost-effective mobile carriage system to meet the majority of medium-size to large mobile shelving requirements with carriages up to 21 feet long. The new model incorporates a new carriage design with an increased strength–toweight ratio. The electric drive model features options for increased fail-safe operation including a safety sweep, waist-high safety bar, and safety cord. Contact: Harry L. Ford, Lundia, 600 Capitol Way, Jacksonville, IL 62650; (217) 243-8585.

• Memphis State University Libraries, working with the university’s Office of Handicapped Student Services, are developing an online catalog workstation for the blind and sight-impaired. The system is now in test mode to determine the best method for allowing public access. The workstation is composed of a Zenith Z–158 microcomputer with 512K memory, a Vert Plus speech synthesizer and keyboard control software, and the Acculink Micro/16 communications terminal emulation software. The system can be used with headphones as well as a speaker. In operation the workstation allows the user to choose which elements of the screen displays are to be made audible. Memphis State’s online catalog is the CLSI LIBS 100. Contact: Ross Johnson, Reference Department, Memphis State University Libraries, Memphis, TN 38152; (901) 454-2208.

• Modulex, a manufacturer and distributor of architectural signage, offers several varieties of interior and exterior signs, designed to meet the flexibility demands of a changing work environment. One line of signage features interchangeable letters that are suitable for directories, door signs, and bookstacks. Custom colors, sizes, and typestyles are available. Modulex will offer suggestions to individual libraries in planning an effective sign package based on the traffic patterns, reading distances, and design scheme of each facility. Contact: Modulex, Inc., 2920 Wolff St., Racine, WI 53404; (800) 632-4321 or (414) 632-5330.

• SilverPlatter Information Services offers a special discount to library schools needing the ERIC CD-ROM database for student training and instruction. Students can access the database using the SilverPlatter Information Retrieval System to learn the fundamentals of searching prior to going online. The retrieval software allows boolean searching with AND, OR, NOT, proximity searching, free text or field-specified searching, righthand truncation, and numeric range and limit searching. The discount offer is restricted to library schools and is intended for instruction and training purposes only. Contact: Christopher G. Pooley, SilverPlatter Information Inc., 37 Walnut St., Wellesley, MA 02181; (617) 239-0306.

SilverPlatter is also distributing three major occupational safety databases on a single CD-ROM disc: NIOSHTIC, from the National Institute for Safety and Health (U.S.); HSELINE, from the Health and Safety Executive (U.K.); and CISDOC, from the International Labour Organization.

• The Singer Safety Company has introduced a fully automatic Insta–Wall system designed to protect high-risk storage and production areas from fire and smoke damage. When fire breaks out, Insta–Wall immediately releases its flame–resistant curtain, confining smoke and fire extinguishing foam so that the fire can be put out quickly. Insta- Wall is a 16-gauge steel cabinet containing a special flame-resistant curtain. The actuator mechanism easily connects to all popular fire extinguishing systems or can be used independently with an available smoke detector. The cabinet mounts directly to any overhead structure, doorway or wall opening. The curtain is chain- weighted in the hem to accelerate its drop and to provide for a close, floor-level seal, although it is easily lifted for a quick and safe escape. Contact: Owen Thompson, Product Manager, Singer Safety Co., 3800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641; (800) 621-0089 or (312) 286-1000.

• The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Library and Information Science has been selected as a beta test site for the new CD- ROM version of the Science Citation Index. Students and faculty of UWM will use a microcomputer to access the database. Based on responses from users here and at other beta test sites, the Institute for Scientific Information will develop a final product for distribution worldwide.

• The University of Southern California’s Norris Medical Library has developed a microcomputer- based acquisitions processing system called CATS (Computerized Acquisitions Tracking System). The system requires dBASE III software to run, but is entirely menu–driven, eliminating the need to train system operators in dBASE III. After orders are keyed into the system, CATS automatically generates order letters and/or 3x5 order slips, provides menu-prompted order receipt and payment entry, executes complete claiming functions, keeps track of expenditures and encumbrances, and provides specialized reports. CATS files are searchable by author, title, order number, and text word. The software and user manual may be purchased for $75 prepaid. Contact: David Morse or Alice Karasick, USC Norris Medical Library, 2003 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033; (213) 224- 7413.

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• Wei T’o Associates has improved its nonaqueous deacidification sprays and solutions to protect books against embrittlement and yellowing from acid attack in response to requests for pH–neutral deacidification agents and the elimination of all ink stability problems, particularly in the graphic arts. The new sprays and solutions will offer a wide range of pH values, from a slightly acidic 6.0 to a moderately alkaline 10.5, to choose from. This new technology avoids the use of an alcohol co-solvent and the higher alkilinity of magnesium that may cause color changes or smudging on sensitive inks. It also offers the potential for lower treatment costs and alternate solvent choices if chlorofluorocarbon solvents are found to affect the Ozone Layer. For more information contact Richard D. Smith, Wei T’o Associates, P.O. Box 40, Matteson, IL 60443; (312) 747-6660. ■ ■