OCR Text |
Show Libraries join in computer By TOM BUSSELBERG FARMINGTON The Davis County Library is entering the computer age, complete with terminals ter-minals for patron use and automated auto-mated library cards. It'll still be a while before the differences start appearing in the libraries, but approval was granted for purchase of a Dynex computer system. At about $250,000 the system sys-tem was called "about the lease expensive, also the most versatile" by Library Director Jeanne Layton. Some dickering will continue before be-fore a final price is agreed to, but initial installation could start early next year, she told the board. Patrons will use computer terminals ter-minals in place of the traditional card catalog, but the system will be "user friendly", leading a person through the necessary processes to find a book. Created in conjunction with the Eyring Institute of Provo, the computer com-puter system can be expanded to meet anticipated growth. The three existing libraries plus the new Layton branch will all be computer-equipped. "We've been a little behind in automating (vs. other libraries) but I'm not sorry," Ms. Layton said. "I think we're getting in at the right time. "It would've cost us a lot more" to have converted earlier, she explained, ex-plained, using an example of a -neighboring county that spent about ab-out $800,000" "and didn't get the capabilities." In addition, she said "we've worked to get the data base going before the rest is in," Ms. Layton continued. "Libraries all around us are having to redesign their systems. sys-tems. I want to be cautious, do it the right, best way." About 40 terminals will be placed in the four libraries, including includ-ing several for circulation purposes, pur-poses, the patron card catalog-type and others for technical services in the main library. "No new personannel will be needed," she said, "even though we expect quite a bit of growth." In fact, three staffers who spend nearly full-time keeping track of overdue books-fines will be able to shift to other duties, largely. 'They will not be let go but will be reassigned," Ms. Layton emphasized. The computer "nerve" center will be two-thirds the size of a desk and can be placed in a corner. No special temperature or humidity controls will be needed and it'll turn on about as easily as a photocopier photo-copier machine. "There may be savings down the road, although not initially," Ms. Layton speculated. She compared the potential for pocket change to savings experienced from joining the On-line Computer Library Center in Ohio for cataloging and other functions. About double the anticipated savings have been gen- crated so far. Among possibilities with the new computer will be a chance to . determine if a book is in and which library has it for patrons. Staff will be able to streamline their operations. Books can be ordered based on how often they're checked out, for example. A far greater circulation breakdown break-down will be feasible. When it comes to fines, those who don't pay up and keep checking check-ing books out can have their cards pulled thanks to computer checks. Now it's more of a "hit and miss" Ms. Layton indicated. |