Temple University - Templar Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Paleg Continues Ta CamputErize Paley Library was also introduced to the new technology of the 1980 ' s. A computerized circulation system made it easier for students to use the library ' s resources. A major part of the new system was the bar codes that were installed on all library items. Each student ' s ID card also bore an individualized bar code. A laser beam read the bar codes, and the book and stu- dent codes were stored in a computer. Eventually, every book, magazine, record and document in Paley ' s collection will be stored in the computer. All the libraries in the Paley system, including those at TUCC and Ambler, will eventually receive a similar system. The computers greatly improved circulation information. Stu- dents used a terminal to see if a book they required was taken out and when it was scheduled to be returned. In some cases, the computer was able to help students reserve books. As more and more books are listed in the computer, it will become the basis for the card catalog. The Paley system had the ability to interface with other such systems at Yale, Princeton, Rutgers, Michigan State, New York University and several other members of the Research Library Group. Returning a book to the library was even easier because of the new system. You just dropped the book into the bin under the circulation desk. A library staff member re-read the book code, and the book was placed back i nto circulation. Eventually, a Temple student with a home computer will be able to hook directly into Paley ' s computer catalog.

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M, THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM 01-10-85 :. PftL£V PALEY TIflEj 12i57 riON: TERMINAL MODE SELECTION QRy BOOK QUERY PUB PUBLIC QUERY DIS DISCHARGE FIN FINE PAYMENT PAT PATRON QUERY MSG MESSAGES J Right: A terminal displays different functions of the system. Below: An overhead view reveals the past and future of Paley; A student uses the computer catalog. Opposite: This student tries to locate a book. SELECT; PalE yLib lOfSlU A map ' I instalWi ati indwt AWb dent cod book, mi will be SI system, ii feceive a oytarai

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CamputErs Enable DissblEd i i ■ hm Temple computers could do more than just process registration or library information. At the Office for the Disabled computers were used to help disabled students. The office owned and operated two computers that were specially adapted to meet the needs of the blind or visually-impaired. Both were acquired in the fall of 1984. The first was a Merlin Information Through Speech (ITS) that was available for use on the seventh floor of the Computer Activity Building. The ITS computer was paid for by a $12,000 grant from the Widener Foundation and arrived at Temple in October 1984. Attached to the computer, which is connected to the university ' s main- frame, was a special machine that could program and print in braille. The second computer, an Apple lie, was equipped with a small black voicebox that pronounced phonetically all information entered into the terminal. Located in the Office for the Disabled at 1828 Park Mall, the Apple was used primarily as a word processor for students ' papers. The voicebox allowed blind students to hear any mis- takes they made, and a standard printer printed the final draft. The computer, voicebox and printer cost $3,000 and were bought through a grant from the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation. The Apple was installed in the office in December 1984. One problem with the Apple, according to Mary Ryan, director of the Office for the Disabled, was its phonetic pronunciation. Users of the computer had to retrain their ears. A word like ' hoagie ' comes out as ' ho-a-gie ' , she said. Two people helped the office break in the computers this year, according to Ryan. George Crosson, a fulltime Temple student, spent many hours training himself to become the resident expert on the ITS computer. And law professor Steve Mikochik used the Apple to prepare several articles for publication. Ryan said that because the computers were so new they hadn ' t been in great demand. Once the word gets around about Steve and George the computers will be a lot busier, she said. Soon even more students and faculty will be able to take advantage of the office ' s computer facilities. Ryan said that a new grant from Mellon Bank will be used to buy a second Apple lie with voicebox that will most likely be installed in the law school. rrsi