Showing papers in "Library technology reports in 1998"

Research Libraries Group

Abstract: 1200 Villa Street Mountain View, CA 94041-1100 Telephone: 800-537-7546 Fax: 650-964-0943 E-mail: bl.ric@rlg.org URL: www.rlg.org BACKGROUND The Research Libraries Group (RLG) operates the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), a bibliographic utility and online information retrieval system that supports cataloging and other library operations. RLIN was established in 1978 as an outgrowth of BALLOTS, a library automation program developed by Stanford University. BALLOTS--an acronym for Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations using a Timesharing System--was ambitiously conceived as an integrated information processing system in which shared bibliographic and other data files would support both technical processing operations and information retrieval activities. The latter component of the BALLOTS program was an outgrowth of the Stanford Physics Information Retrieval System (SPIRES), an interactive online retrieval system developed in 1967. A prototype BALLOTS implementation, introduced in 1969, was followed by a production system for the Stanford University libraries in 1972. In 1976, BALLOTS became available as a shared cataloging service to other California libraries. At that time, it was widely regarded as a potential West Coast alternative to OCLC. BALLOTS' development and operating characteristics are documented in many publications, including Cady et al. (1970), Davison (1973), Epstein (1973), Epstein and Veaner (1972), Epstein et al. (1971, 1972), Ferguson (1970), Hartzell (1973), Kazlauskas (1976), Kershner (1979), Lo (1978), Logan (1973), Mayhew (1976), Montague (1973), Ojala (1978), Bierce and Taylor (1978), Roth (1973), Schriefer and Christiani (1979), Stovel (1973), and Veaner (1969, 1977, 1977a). BALLOTS' destiny was significantly altered in 1978 when it was selected by the Research Libraries Group as the system with the greatest potential for meeting its requirements for automated bibliographic control. RLG was founded in 1974 by Harvard University, Columbia University, Yale University, and the New York Public Library as a resource-sharing consortium. One of the group's original goals was the establishment of a computer-based bibliographic processing system. It initially experimented with an online link to the Library of Congress but ultimately adopted BALLOTS as its bibliographic utility. When that decision was made, Harvard withdrew from RLG. It was replaced by Stanford, which became the utility's host institution. BALLOTS provided the technical base for the RLIN system. Its hours of service were extended, and its governance structure was modified in a manner described below. The RLIN system is described, in varying levels of detail, by Bales and Tucker (1988), Clever (1983), Kershner (1979a), Lerman and Aliprand (1995), McCoy and Davison (1985), Richards and Lerche (1989), Thomson and Hartzell (1979), and Tonne-Schaefer (1986). Lazinger (1991) compares RLIN to ALEPH, Israel's research library network. Michalko and Haeger (1994) discuss RLG's history and mission. Although they were developed for--and are specifically designed to serve--large or specialized research libraries, RLIN's services are comparable to those offered by the other general-purpose bibliographic utilities discussed in this issue. Available to libraries of all types and sizes, RLIN has two broad categories of participants: RLG members and others. As might be expected, RLG members are the most visible and important group of RLIN users. As noted above, RLG was founded in 1974 and had four members through 1978. Its scope expanded dramatically between 1979 and mid-1980s, when membership exceeded 35 institutions. Through the 1980s, RLG differentiated among several categories of members, including owner-members, associate members, and special members. To qualify for owner-membership or associate membership, an institution had to belong to either the International Research Libraries Association (IRLA) or to both the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). …

The Library Corporation

Abstract: Research Park Inwood, WV 25428-9733 Telephone: 800-325-7759 Fax: 304-229-0295 E-mail: info@tlcdelivers.com URL: www.tlcdelivers.com BACKGROUND The Library Corporation, a leading supplier of library automation products and services, was founded in 1974. The company, then known as MARC Applied Research, was initially based in Washington, D.C. Its first product, MARCFICHE, contained the LC MARC database on microfiche accompanied by indexes that facilitated retrieval of desired cataloging records. Described by Pasternack (1976) and Young (1978), it was the most useful and successful of several microform-based cataloging tools introduced during the 1960s and 1970s. MARCFICHE was produced from data tapes obtained from the LC MARC Distribution Service. Cataloging records, formatted as catalog card images, were published on a continuously growing collection of microfiches in the same sequence in which they were produced by the Library of Congress. Indexes were recorded on a separate set of microfiches. They provided access to cataloging records by main entry, Library of Congress Classification Number, Library of Congress Card Number, and International Standard Book Number. Index entries included a partial title and lookup coordinates (microfiche number, column number, and sequential position) for the cataloging records to which they pertained. Subscription options provided weekly, quarterly, or semi-annual shipments of new cataloging microfiche with cumulative indexes. In 1985, The Library Corporation introduced the product with which it has been most closely associated, a CD-ROM cataloging support system called BiblioFile. It is described by Allan (1990), Andres (1993), Bibi (1990), Bills and Helgerson (1989), Brennan (1989), Colglazier (1988), Cormouls and Gaudin (1988), Desmarais (1985), Gartshore (1987), Giesbrecht (1988), Grift (1993), Harrison (1988), Jacso (1990), Khurshid (1991), McKnight (1987), Morrow (1988), and Ruesta et al. (1994). BiblioFile was the first CD-ROM information product to be successfully commercialized. Currently used by over 4,000 libraries worldwide, it remains available for DOS-based microcomputers. Its replacement is the Integrated Technical Services (ITS) Workstation for Windows--or, simply, ITS for Windows--a cataloging support program that can operate with CD-ROM databases for other cataloging source files. The Library Corporation's current line of CD-ROM cataloging support products is discussed elsewhere in this issue. In 1997, The Library Corporation introduced ITS.MARC, a web-based cataloging service that provides online access to the LC MARC data base and other bibliographic records. ITS.MARC is the newest bibliographic utility and the only one developed specifically and exclusively for web access; other bibliographic utilities discussed in this issue predate the World Wide Web, although they have recently introduced web access capabilities. Like other bibliographic utilities, ITS.MARC supports copy cataloging through retrieval and editing of bibliographic records. Through microcomputer-based software described below, ITS.MARC also supports original cataloging, but it does not store cataloging records contributed by subscribers. In that respect, it most closely resembles Open DRANet among the bibliographic utilities discussed in this issue. ITS.MARC is a general-purpose bibliographic utility that is available to libraries of all types and sizes. ITS.MARC participants are termed "subscribers." In addition to cataloging support products and services, The Library Corporation offers the Library. Solution, a second-generation integrated library system that is installed at approximately 100 sites; NetPAC, which provides access to library catalogs via the World Wide Web; Site-Solution, a service that creates customized web sites; and TLC. Partner, an outsourcing service for library automation. The Library Corporation continues to support its older BiblioFile series of library automation programs for public catalog access, circulation control, and reference applications. …

Introduction; Information Technology Overview and Trends

Abstract: INTRODUCTION An information technology program involves more complex, time-consuming, and costly planning processes than any other library program except a library building because the impact of information technology has become so pervasive. In addition to significant financial implications, there may be facilities alterations, organizational changes, and the need to influence staff and patron attitudes through training and orientation. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The capital outlay for an automated library system typically is as much as $5,000 per concurrent user-the number of users the system can accommodate at any one time The annual cost for maintaining and operating such a system ranges from $1,000 to $1,250 per concurrent user each year. While many CD-ROM products cost less than $100, there are many which cost $2,000 or more. Internet access can run from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per month. Online reference services cost thousands to tens-of-thousands of dollars per year. It is a rare library today which spends less than fifteen percent of its total budget on information technology: hardware, software, and electronic products and services. Just as the prediction in the 1960s of the paperless office now seems laughable, demand for printouts has become so high in some libraries that they have found it necessary to charge for them-not only to recover some of the cost, but also to reduce waste. This is particularly the case when patrons are connected to the Internet. As an increasing number of information sources on the Internet charge for information, libraries will have to address the issue of what to offer for free, and what for a fee. FACILITIES ALTERATIONS Most multi-user automated library systems require a controlled environment. While claims are made about the ability of multi-user computer systems to operate in office environments, it is difficult to obtain a vendor's commitment to long-term 98 percent system reliability unless stringent site preparation requirements are met. The electrical power has to be stable, static electricity has to be controlled, the temperature has to be cool, humidity has to be moderate and stable, and dust has to be kept to a minimum. In most buildings that means alterations to an existing room or construction of a new room with dedicated electrical circuits, separate HVAC controls or a supplementary unit, and installation of a no-wax floor. Micro-based systems require "clean" electrical power and protection against static electricity. While a separate computer room is not required, stable temperature and humidity are desirable. Remote peripherals require electrical power and data cabling. There seldom are enough electrical outlets, and so wiring will have to be undertaken. Ideally terminals and PCs are provided with conditioned electrical power. That usually is practical only when constructing new facilities. In existing buildings, the installation of a surge protector between each remote peripheral and an electrical outlet is more practical. Data cabling presents an even greater challenge than electrical wiring because most buildings lack it. While relatively straightforward in buildings with plenums (dropped ceilings), many library facilities are in older buildings which are difficult to retrofit. Even though, as a percentage of total project costs, facilities alterations are not usually a major factor, still $10,000 or more that has not been anticipated is almost always a problem. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES One of the least frequently mentioned aspects of automation and related information technologies is the impact on a library's organization. The traditional library's organizational structure is built around files; without the files, units may begin to shrink or disappear. For example, manual serials check-in files may not have been readily available to public services staff. …

Information Technology Plan for a Consortium

Abstract: The plan has the following components, each one of which is discussed in this document: i. Mission Statement ii. Technology Goals Objectives 1. Adopt a service bureau or governance agreement for cooperative information technology programs, including cost allocation formula. 2. Maintain a shared, comprehensive automated library system. 3. Maintain a wide area network (WAN) using frame relay technology. 4. Maintain contracts with two Internet Service Providers and regularly evaluate performance. 5. Seek to conform to all relevant standards. 6. Provide "express catalogs" near building and reference area entrances in all libraries. 7. Provide one or more "electronic access centers" for patrons in each library, regardless of size. 8. Replace "dumb" terminals with PCs and utilize a multi-tier PC strategy. 9. Configure all of the PCs, existing and future, with a Web browser. 10. Configure all PCs with printers, and attach coin boxes or debit card readers to all "electronic access center" patron devices. 11. Provide access to a CD-ROM server from all workstations. 12. Maintain a Web site. 13. Undertake a cooperative special files and imaging program. 14. Establish and maintain a small micro lab in each facility of more than 25,000 square feet. 15. Maintain spares inventories and contract for local maintenance. 16. Use competitive bidding for shared online reference services. Avoid proliferation of the same information in multiple formats. 18. Upgrade staff work surfaces to accommodate information technologies. 19. Accommodate information technologies when building or remodeling library facilities. 20. Implement a theft detection system for each library with more than $1 million worth of library materials. 21. Designate a full-time system manager and network specialist. 22. Maintain staff training and patron orientation programs. 23. Seek funding from external sources. 24. Phase in implementation over a four-year period. These components are discussed in detail on the following pages. i. MISSION STATEMENT The libraries are committed to providing and making accessible the best possible informational, educational, cultural, and recreational materials and services to the citizens of their service area. ii. TECHNOLOGY GOALS The libraries' most important technology goal is to give all citizens access to information regardless of format, and regardless of where the information is stored. The secondary goal is to make that access available from anywhere in the service area insofar as possible, including from all sizes of libraries, from homes, and from offices. To carry out its mission and technology goals, the consortium has developed a plan which consists of the following objectives: 1. Adopt a service bureau or governance agreement for cooperative information technology programs, including a cost allocation formula. Libraries which share information technologies need a written agreement among them which spells out their rights and obligations. This can be either a service bureau agreement in which one library provides services to others per agreed-upon terms; or a governance agreement in which the participants all have an equity interest in the information technology. The former approach is normally adopted when one library is substantially larger than the others; the latter when they are comparable in size. One of the following will be the basis for cooperation: Service Bureau Agreement The following Agreement is entered into between the -- Library, hereinafter known as the "host library" and the -- -- Libraries, hereinafter known as the "client libraries" for the purchase of goods and services by the client libraries from the host library. …

Test Reports on 15 Models of Bracket-Type Steel Library Bookstacks

Abstract: PERFORMANCE OF BRACKET-TYPE LIBRARY BOOKSTACKS During 1998, 15 samples of shelving from eight manufacturers were tested in accordance with The American National Standard for Single Tier Bracket Steel Library Shelving ANSI/NISO Z39.73 1994. The following brief introduction describes the test procedures. PROVISIONS OF THE STANDARD The standard is divided into six major sections. Section 1 defines the type of shelving covered by the standard. It states, for example, that the standard covers "single-tier bracket (freestanding) bookstacks consisting of two upright supports columns per modular section with adjustable shelves cantilever-hung on brackets on both sides of the upright." Section 2 defines the terms used in the standard that apply to this type of shelving. Specifically, it defines such important terms as adder-section, canopy, closed-base, freestanding, end panel or plate, gusset, nominal dimensions, open base, range, section, spreader, and sway brace. Section 3 defines the test sample. It stipulates that a sample range of two sections from the normal production of the manufacturer is to be used for testing. A section is to consist of a double-faced unit of modular length (usually 3 ft.) with twelve 10-inch (nominal) adjustable shelves, base shelves, uprights, and other parts standard with the particular brand of shelving. Open based shelving is to contain fourteen shelves. The sample range consists of two sections joined together to form a continuous range (see Figure 1). Section uprights may be either 84 or 90 inches tall and must be evenly spaced on modular centers in the range by spreaders. The range itself is to be installed by a representative of the manufacturer or by a competent installer if the manufacturer declines to take responsibility for installation. For purposes of testing, all of the shelving is to be equally spaced vertically on the uprights. [Figure 1 ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Section 4 treats the appearance of the finish. All parts-shelves, brackets, uprights, and supports are examined in order to determine if the shelving finish is smooth and uniform, without runs, wrinkles, grit, or "orange peel" effects or if it shows areas of thinness, exposed substrata, or color separation. Section 5 treats user-related design characteristics of the shelving. The shelving is to be inspected to ensure that the finished parts are free of burrs and sharp edges. Visually, the magnitude of gaps between abutting shelves or brackets is limited to no more than 3/32 inches. The shelving unit is also inspected to ensure that both empty and fully loaded shelves can be removed and re-hung with no difficulty. As part of the inspection, brackets, hooks, and lugs are checked for alignment with corresponding slots. Section 6 defines the physical tests to be carried out on the range or its components. Eight major categories of interest are covered. The first three categories deal with the structural characteristics of the shelving, whereas the last five deal with the finish. The eight categories are: 1. Lateral deflection or deviation of the uprights under loads 2. Deflection of shelves under load, i.e., shelf sag 3. Longitudinal deflection of uprights under horizontal pull 4. Gloss of finish 5. Adhesion of finish 6. Resistance of the finish to abrasion 7. Resistance of the finish to acids and chemicals 8. Resistance of the finish to lighted cigarette. Each of these categories is discussed in detail in the sections which follow. 1. Lateral Deflection of the Uprights Under Load The first of these categories, lateral deflection or deviation of the uprights under load deals with the sideways movement of the shelving when either one side or both sides of the shelving in a range unit are loaded. The standard states that properly constructed and installed shelving should not lean, sag, or bend excessively when loaded, even when the load is unbalanced. …

Western Library Network

Abstract: PO Box 3888 Lacey, WA 98509-0888 Telephone: 800-DIALWLN Facsimile: 360-923-4009 E-mail: info@wln.com URL: www.wln.com BACKGROUND The Western Library Network (WLN) is a general-purpose bibliographic utility that offers online cataloging support and related products and services. Its origins and developmental history are described and discussed by Franklin and MacDonald (1976), Kolb (1977), Nesse (1986), Plotnik (1980), Reed (1975), Reynolds (1975), Shoffner and Madden (1980, 1980a), Wasser (1985), Woods (1979, 1979a), and Ziegman (1988). Originally known as the Washington Library Network, WLN was formed in the early 1970s to support resource-sharing activities by libraries in the state of Washington. Its first project was a batch-processed union catalog produced in 1972. An online cataloging support system, programmed by Boeing Computer Services under contract to the Washington State Library, was introduced in 1975. It became fully operational in 1977. The WLN online system initially served 10 Washington libraries, but it quickly attracted subscribers elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. WLN's customer base, which totaled about 100 libraries in the early 1980s, had more than tripled by the end of the decade. At the time this report was prepared, WLN provided products and services to over 700 libraries and had over 100 users of its online cataloging system. Through the late 1980s, WLN was a regional bibliographic utility. While its many interesting capabilities gave it national visibility, it restricted the service area for its online system to libraries in western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest. That geographic service restriction has since been removed. To more accurately identify its client base, the Washington Library Network changed its name to the Western Library Network in 1985. The WLN online system remains a regional bibliographic utility, however. Approximately 40 percent of the customer base for its online cataloging system are located in the state of Washington, with the majority of the remainder in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, California, Arizona, and British Columbia. WLN's organizational and governance structure has changed several times since its inception. It originally operated as a division of the Washington State Library. In 1979, the Washington State Library Commission established a Computer Services Council, elected by WLN participants, with oversight responsibilities. That group subsequently changed its name to the Network Services Council. In 1988, the Washington State Library recommended the establishment of WLN as a private, not-for-profit corporation. That recommendation became effective in July 1990. The day-to-day management of WLN is the responsibility of its President/ Chief Executive Officer. WLN participants are called members. The utility's membership policy differentiates two broad types of participants: those who add records to the WLN database and those who do not. Within this broad framework, WLN recognizes four membership categories: 1. Contributing online members, the WLN counterparts of the OCLC general members discussed elsewhere in this issue, access the WLN database via online workstations. They agree to contribute original cataloging records and holdings information for ail new acquisitions not included in the database, to add holdings information for all new acquisitions for which database records already exist, to keep previously entered holdings information up to date, and to provide interlibrary loan for nonrestricted items from their collections. Among the bibliographic utilities, WLN members alone agree to interlibrary loan as well as cataloging obligations. Contributing online members are not required to contribute holdings information associated with retrospective conversion activities. 2. Contributing offline members submit holdings information to the WLN database on magnetic tape or by other batch input methodologies. …

Data Research Associates

Abstract: 1276 North Warson Road PO Box 8495 St. Louis, MO 63132-1806 Telephone: 314-432-1100 Fax: 314-993-8927 E-mail: sales@dra.com URL: www.dra.com BACKGROUND Open DRA Net is a bibliographic utility operated by Data Research Associates (DRA), a leading supplier of integrated library systems that support public catalog access, circulation control, and other operations. It is an outgrowth of DRA Net, a computer service established in 1980 as an online cataloging utility for customers of DRA's library automation systems. Over time, DRANet incorporated additional information resources, including subject-oriented databases that contain citations to journal articles and other publications. In 1992, the DRA Net service became available to all libraries, whether or not Data Research Associates was their automation vendor. It was renamed Open DRA Net to reflect its broadened availability. Open DRA Net's cataloging support capabilities are obtained through a cataloging module that is incorporated into DRA's integrated library systems. That module, which supports both original cataloging and cataloging with copy, consists of programs that run on a library's local automation system, as opposed to the computer on which the Open DRA Net database resides. Open DRA Net consequently differs sharply from OCLC, RLIN, WLN, and the Interactive Access System discussed elsewhere in this issue. Libraries that do not use Data Research Associates as their automation vendor can access Open DRA Net with other software products, such as the ITS for Windows program from The Library Corporation. Alternatively, Open DRA Net cataloging records can be downloaded as "screen prints" for local editing by a word processing program. Libraries can also access Open DRA Net's information resources, including the LC MARC database, for reference and research purposes. The following discussion is limited to cataloging support functions and related capabilities that are directly associated with Open DRA Net. Additional functions supported by DRA's integrated library automation systems are described by Saffady (1996). EQUIPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS Open DRA Net operates on a Z39.50 server located at DRA's headquarters. It can be accessed through leased telephone lines or the Internet. A publicly accessible version is available at the following telnet address: "dra.com." Libraries equipped with DRA's integrated systems will typically access Open DRA Net through workstations attached to their local systems. Open DRA Net can be accessed by any Z39.50 client, whether or not it is a DRA product. The publicly accessible telnet site requires a VT100 terminal or microcomputer equipped with appropriate terminal emulation software. DATABASE CHARACTERISTICS As its most important resource file, Open DRA Net provides online access to the LC MARC database of cataloging and authority records produced by the Library of Congress. The Open DRA Net database contains all MARC records offered by the LC Cataloging Distribution Service as part of their "Complete Service," which includes the Books Ail, Maps, Music, Serials, and Visual Materials segments of the LC MARC database. Cataloging records for works published in non-roman scripts are romanized. The Complete Service contains approximately six million cataloging records produced by the Library of Congress from 1968 to 1997. Approximately 280,000 new records are added annually. Open DRA Net also provides online access to cataloging databases created by other libraries. Typically, such libraries are installation sites for DRA's integrated library systems. Examples include the Cleveland Public Library, the Memphis-Shelby County Public Library, the University of Toronto, and the Southeastern Library Cooperative in Rochester, Minnesota. Access to cataloging records contained in specific library databases available on Open DRA Net is governed by individual agreements with the producing institutions. …