[Chronicle]

June 8, 1995
Vol. 14, No. 19

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    New on-line catalog system for Library

    The University Library has formed a development partnership with Ameritech Library Services to install and enhance Horizon, a new Unix-based, client/server information-management system, as the Library's new on-line catalog system. The system will be implemented gradually over the summer and the next academic year.

    "Horizon will be totally different from our current on-line catalog," said Priscilla Caplan, Assistant Director for Library Systems. "The most visible change will be a graphical user interface that offers additional services and is easier to use than our old mainframe catalog."

    Caplan said the new system will initially be implemented for circulation and the on-line catalog. Eventually it will support all library processing activities and provide access to a variety of on-campus and outside networks and data bases.

    The installation of new computer terminals for Horizon will begin in Regenstein Library this summer. Approximately 200 new terminals will be installed in the libraries around campus by the end of spring quarter 1996. In addition, over 1.7 million bibliographical records will be converted to the new system during the summer.

    Both the old catalog system and selected terminals with the new system will run together in Regenstein until Horizon is completely installed and the campus community becomes more familiar with the new on-line service.

    "The Library staff will provide training materials and information to assist in the transition to the new system," said Caplan. "Although the initial conversion will take time, the new system will be a great improvement in Library services."