Computers come to the library

NOVEMBER 25, 1988 – Penticton library users will be relying on computers for catalogue information this time next year.

After months of preparation the library service will convert to automation during the coming year, at a cost of more than $180,000.

What will this mean to the average book borrower?

Scene: You wander into the library with the vague hope that you can find a certain book ... except you can’t remember the full title, or the name of the author.

You step up to a computer terminal. Your initial trepidation at this new system is soon set to rest by the easy-to-follow instructions. On the keyboard, you type in the two words you remember of your chosen book’s title. The computer instantly goes into action, doing a title search. Like magic, it comes up with three book titles, with the authors, and asks you which one you want. You recognize ‘your’ book, and call it up per the instructions.

Like a dutiful helper, the computer tells you your book is not in the library, but it is on order and will be available next week. So you decide to see what else there is by the same author. Several more titles pop onto the screen, and you choose one. You are informed this book is in and the call number as to where to find it.

As an afterthought you punch into the computer a request for your original book as soon as it comes in.

Minutes later you are checking your book out, and this is a different system, too. The library clerk takes your library card. The card has a bar code on it, the ones you see on every cereal package or tin of soup. She runs it over a laser scanner, like a clerk in the supermarket.

She studies her screen. “Did you know you have an overdue fine of $1.10?” You sheepishly pay the fine, then she proceeds clearing your name and your book.

“By the way, I can’t keep track of all the books my kids are bringing home,” you tell the clerk. “How many do we have out now? And when are they due? Can your system tell me that, too?” No problem. Wow!