The use of an ICL 1900 computer in the library work of the National Management Devellopment Centre
Abstract
The NIC program system of ICL 1900 computer series was designed for continuous documentation processing in libraries. The authors have conducted experiments with NIC programs and then, the continuous processing started in the Centre's library on the basis of a library system thus designed.
The article outlines this library system which, in addition to preparing library information and computer-assisted processing, is also capable of giving certain continuous reference services.
The proparation of data (information) for the computer is based on the traditional Hungarian methods of library processing operations as regards it content. Formally, the domestic standards used by the Centre's library were prepared with a view to the restrictions of NIC programs. Bibliographical and other data of a book are recorded in four groups - authors, title, source, subject headings - with the characteristics demonstrated in the article.
Data of the holdings are stored on magnetic tape and are brought up-to-date every month. The article outlines the concepts of data storage on magnetic tape and the methods of information handling.
The process of bringing the material up-to-date at regular monthly intervals is connected with printing out, in the form of book catalogues: a classified bibliography, as well as an author index and subject index. All this is complementad by standard catalogue cards arranged in alphabetical order. The bibliography and the indexes are multiplied and distributed amons the members of the Centre, while the catalogue cards are used to form a subject catalogue.
The system is of an experimental character, and its current operation is expected to yield further practical results. The possibility of the system's multi-dimensional development has already been incorporated in the system. E. g. addition of annotations to the data of books is one such possibility, or taking another example, the continuous development of the subject heading system and its mechanized analysis is also possible. Adopting other programs for ICL 1900 facilitates various retrieving operations. Thus, if the experiences will so indicate, a simple transformation of the library file might serve as a basis for a considerably improved system.
The article outlines this library system which, in addition to preparing library information and computer-assisted processing, is also capable of giving certain continuous reference services.
The proparation of data (information) for the computer is based on the traditional Hungarian methods of library processing operations as regards it content. Formally, the domestic standards used by the Centre's library were prepared with a view to the restrictions of NIC programs. Bibliographical and other data of a book are recorded in four groups - authors, title, source, subject headings - with the characteristics demonstrated in the article.
Data of the holdings are stored on magnetic tape and are brought up-to-date every month. The article outlines the concepts of data storage on magnetic tape and the methods of information handling.
The process of bringing the material up-to-date at regular monthly intervals is connected with printing out, in the form of book catalogues: a classified bibliography, as well as an author index and subject index. All this is complementad by standard catalogue cards arranged in alphabetical order. The bibliography and the indexes are multiplied and distributed amons the members of the Centre, while the catalogue cards are used to form a subject catalogue.
The system is of an experimental character, and its current operation is expected to yield further practical results. The possibility of the system's multi-dimensional development has already been incorporated in the system. E. g. addition of annotations to the data of books is one such possibility, or taking another example, the continuous development of the subject heading system and its mechanized analysis is also possible. Adopting other programs for ICL 1900 facilitates various retrieving operations. Thus, if the experiences will so indicate, a simple transformation of the library file might serve as a basis for a considerably improved system.
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Published
2019-05-07
How to Cite
Erdélyi, J., Krammer, G. The use of an ICL 1900 computer in the library work of the National Management Devellopment Centre, Scientific and Technical Information, 17(7), p. 543–560, 2019.
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