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Navigating the Evolution of Library Technology: A Personal Journey

In the realm of library technology, my journey spans from the 1970s' programming with punch cards to the complexities of modern systems. I began with PL/I on mainframes, progressed through the introduction of personal computers, and embraced various programming languages like dBase III, VB, Oracle, and SQL. Each phase presented unique challenges, lessons, and advancements in library acquisitions and data processing. Constant change drives my work, emphasizing the importance of in-house expertise, continuous learning, and adapting to new technologies.

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Navigating the Evolution of Library Technology: A Personal Journey

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  1. How did we end up here? Gary L. Strawn Northwestern University Library mrsmith@northwestern.edu

  2. Same thing, from a different direction • Not: How do we go about this? • Rather: How did this happen? • Unfortunate biographical orientation

  3. 1970s: Programming as it once was • Library school class: PL/I on punch cards, on mainframe • First job: PL/I (on my own) • Basics of programming (variables, structure)

  4. 1980s: Technological advances • IBM PC with 2 5-1/4" floppy drives (MS-DOS; program/data) • Built-in BASIC (start computer with no DOS)

  5. IBM dual-floppy PC Courtesy Ruben de Rijcke

  6. Next library • Mentioned programming in interview • "We need to do something about acquisitions" • Purchased a stand-alone PC, backup system (VHS tape!) • New programming language: dBase III • A year later: acquisitions system

  7. IBM PC as OCLC terminal: opportunity • Save screen image as a file on floppy, then process • First: transfer bib data into acquisitions system • Second: convert authority records into authority and cross-reference cards • Third: create new MARC authority records, print more cards

  8. Skills acquired • Several programming languages • Relational database structure • Intimate understanding of MARC formats • Processing of authority data

  9. Authority cards lead to next job • Authorities librarian • Collaborate with ISDO (NOTIS) • Pulled into ISDO • Eventually 1/2 and 1/2 (ISDO and authorities)

  10. ISDO: Sink or swim • Learn IBM 360 assembler • First program: Batch corrections • Indexing improvements, etc.

  11. Post-ISDO • Interact with NOTIS via terminal emulator; programming interface • Windows programming • Learn another language (VB) • Authority record creation • Cataloger's toolkit

  12. Post-NOTIS • Voyager • Learn: Oracle, SQL, PL/SQL • Interact with Voyager via ODBC and (later) programming interface • Spine labels, cataloger’s toolkit, loaders (including authority loader), etc., etc.

  13. Recent things • Numerous XML flavors • More languages: .NET family; Java

  14. Looking ahead • Next system: new ground rules • Probably web clients, not local clients • Interfaces rather than direct access [?] • New environments and languages • Ruby, Hydra, etc.

  15. What are the themes? • Change is constant, and accelerating • Programming best done by people who know the material • Grow in-house expertise

  16. What are the themes? • Details can be learned • Trade production for other valuable things • Support staff in learning new stuff • Formal training, self-instruction, consultants; etc.

  17. What are the themes? • Best project: something that you’re interested in doing anyway

  18. Questions?

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