Abstract
The Geac 8000 Library System from Canada, installed at two sites of the Polytechnic, is based on a minicomputer offering 64K Bytes of memory for each site and 96K shared memory. The description of this fully online system using Informer Keyboard/VDUs for cataloguing and for online circulation control using attached lightpens, includes file handling, issue procedures, catalogue interrogation and the keys available for searching — class number, author, title, ISBN, ISSN, barcode, subject headings. Ways of browsing through the files starting with uncertainly spelt authors is also described in relation to the way library readers use the public terminals provided in the library. These offer limited access and do not allow unauthorised alterations to records. Lost badges and books, reservations provision, access to user data, generation of notices to readers are all described in varying detail. Reliability and precautions against failure are outlined. The procedures for restart without data loss after power failure, and the provision of portable barcode to allow continued operation of the loans system, give the necessary back up to cover most eventualities. The system will most likely be extended to include further Geac modules after a suitable period of consolidation.
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