BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS The evolution and installation of an in-house CD-ROM LAN By Rita B. Lee, M.S.L.I.S. Head, Information Services
Luiza B. Balthazar, M.L.S. Associate Director Head, Information Processing Medical Sciences Library New York Medical College Basic Sciences Building Valhalla, New York 10595
CD-ROM technology has become a reality in the health sciences field. Rapid improvements in optical disk technology combined with the development of local area networks (LANs) have led to new ways of managing CD-ROM stations in the library environment [1-6]. This paper describes the installation and operation of a CD-ROM LAN developed at the Medical Sciences Library of New York Medical College. INITIAL CD-ROM INSTALLATION In 1987 the library received a financial gift from the Jose Arduengo Memorial Fund and the Alumni Association. The decision was made to install two CDROM stations for the free use of the college's students, faculty, and staff. MEDLINE* in CD-ROM format was available from a few companies at the time. SilverPlattert MEDLINE was selected and, in December 1987, the library entered two subscriptions for MEDLINE, covering the years 1983 to date. The software was mounted on two IBM XT personal computers (PCs) with fixed disks and two top-loading Philips CM 100 CD-ROM drives, with two IBM Proprinter II printers. By the end of 1988, two additional stations had been installed with funds from the library budget: one IBM XT PC with a fixed disk, one front-loading Hitachi CDR-1503S CD-ROM drive, one Epson FX-50 printer; one IBM PS/2 Model 30 PC with Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions (MSCDEX), four front-loading daisychained Hitachi CDR-1503S CD-ROM drives, and one IBM Proprinter II printer. The library, therefore, had four individual user CDROM stations and was leasing three sets of Silver*
MEDLINE is a registered trademark of the National Library of Medicine. t SilverPlatter is a registered trademark of SilverPlatter Information, Inc.
Bull Med Libr Assoc 79(1) January 1991
Platter MEDLINE, 1983 to date. When the MEDLINE archival files (1966-1982) became available in July 1989, these were also leased to provide coverage of the entire database. In addition, one subscription to SilverPlatter PsycLITif had been added.
CD-ROM LAN INSTALLATION The increased use of the CD-ROM stations and the burden imposed on the staff (only library staff could change or handle disks) combined with the popularity of the daisy-chained IBM PS/2 pointed the way to investigating recent developments in networking. Commercial CD-ROM network systems offering multiple user capability were considered. Their applications in several university libraries were enticing; however, such a solution would have required another expensive commitment [7-11]. Installation of a Novell NetWare** V2.15 LAN at the New York Medical College in 1989 gave impetus to link the library CD-ROM stations through a file server and make database searching accessible through the collegewide network. The library IBM PCs were already on the college network, with cabling completed and token rings already installed, in preparation for an integrated library system. With the guidance and assistance of the college Information Services Department, a plan was devised to use a newly purchased MICRONICS 386 PC as a dedicated CD-ROM file server. The file server had six CD-ROM drives attached (the original five Hitachis plus one new AMDEC Laserdrive) supporting six MEDLINE disks, covering 1984 to date. One IBM XT required extended memory to 640K. OPTI-NET§ V1.10 was used to establish communication between NetWare and SilverPlatter software. System specifications are given in the appendix. The remaining two top-loading Philips drives (less suited for connection to the file server) were used as stand-alone units, each attached individually to two of the PCs on the network. This permits changing to the MEDLINE backfiles, and significantly, the independent use of these drives if the network is inaccessible. At this writing, the files could be accessed simultaneously from any IBM or IBM compatible PC on the college network; however, the present system supports only ten users at one time. These are four user stations, several library staff PCs (IBM PS / 2 Modt PsycLIT is a registered trademark of the American Psychological Association. *I* Novell NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. § OPTI-NET is a registered trademark of Online Computer Systems, Inc. 63
Brief communications Figure 1 Ubrary CD-ROM network
LEGEND
File Server MICRONICS 386
[J i
Library Stations 2 IBM XTs + 2 Drives 1 IBM XT & 1 PS/2 Model 30
Information Services Area
although appointments have also been accepted. There is a thirty-minute limit if another user is waiting. The SilverPlatter software is easily learned, but each user is required to go through the instructional tutorial with a database guide available on each disk. This is followed by individual instruction given at point of use by the Information Services librarian or by either of the two backup staff. The CD-ROM LAN as presently configured has greatly reduced the time-consuming task of exchanging disks. The increased use of the system, however, has also expanded the responsibilities of the Information Services librarian and the two backup staff. Staff commitment continues for assisting users in determining the most effective search strategies to achieve efficient and satisfying results. The simultaneous multiple use of the system has not affected the rapid response time and good performance of the SilverPlatter software. In addition, duplicate subscriptions to MEDLINE are no longer necessary. The credit received was applied to other biomedical databases that were examined on a trial basis.
1 IBM PS/2-Model 60
FD-1 [ff
Library Staff PCs 2 IBM PS/2 Model 50 1 IBM PS/2 Model 80 IBM or IBM Compatible PCs Present Future
els 50, 60, 80), as well as numerous PCs located elsewhere on campus (Figure 1). Different disk options are available to users who may wish to download searches-both 3½h" or 51/4", high or low density-as the network accommodates various types of equipment. The total outlay for this project was under $5,000 based on preexisting hardware and college networking. Budgetary constraints permitting, a fourteen-drive system was planned for summer 1990.
OPERATION The dedicated MICRONICS file server with the six CD-ROM drives is located in a small, locked storage area on the lower level of the library. This room provides a fairly constant temperature and dust-free environment and makes the files available on a twentyfour-hour basis to remote users. The four stations in the library's Information Services area are accessible during daytime operating hours. Users have been requested to sign a log book. Searching is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, 64
CONCLUSIONS The installation of an in-house local area CD-ROM network has been successfully accomplished, exceeding expectations. Few interruptions took place, other than those needed for required adjustments. Difficulties may yet occur, as the system is tested and evaluated. Opportunities for further innovation and progress continue to be explored. The college Information Services staff has supported this project with their time and expertise. The svstem is a valuable public relations tool attracting users and making them aware of the advantages of automated information retrieval of the biomedical literature. The costs to the library of installing and maintaining a CD-ROM LAN are affordable and justified in terms of the significantly improved and expanded services.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Sincere thanks to the staff of the Alumni Computer Learning Laboratory and Information Services Department for their vision and hard work in making this network a reality. REFERENCES 1. EDDISON B. Getting ready for a local area network. Database 1989 Apr;12(2):108-10. 2. GILDA SA. Multi-user CD-ROM systems for schools and libraries. Laserdisk Prof 1989 Jul;2(4):14-7. 3. LAURISTON R. Seven top LANs: a hard look at ease of use. PC World 1989 Jun;7(6):88-93. Bull Med Libr Assoc 79(1) January 1991
Brief communications 4. LEGGoTT M. LANs and CD-ROMs. OCLC Micro 1989 Aug; 5(4):18-19, 22. 5. PEMBERTON AC. LP interviews Chris Pooley of SilverPlatter new products, new software, and a network.... Laserdisk Prof 1989 Mar;2(2):17-22. 6. TENOPIR C. What's happening with CD-ROM, part 2: networks and more. Libr J 1989 Nov 1;114(18):68-70. 7. CAREY J. Installing a local area compact disk network. Coll Res Libr News 1989 Dec;50(11):988-91. 8. GRANr MA, STALKE JC. The multiplatter CD-ROM network at Boston College. Laserdisk Prof 1989 Sep;2(5):12-8. 9. HARNEY JM. A comparison of different CD-ROM local area networks in universities. CD-ROM EndUser 1989 Jun; 1(2):17-22. 10. REESE J. CD-ROM at Vanderbilt University: continuing costs and issues. Laserdisk Prof 1989 Mar;2(2):30-7. 11. SiLvER H. Managing a CD-ROM installation ... a case study at Hahnemann University. Online 1988 Mar;12(2): 61-6.
Medical students as CD-ROM end-user trainers* By Martha F. Earl, M.S.L.S. Reference Librarian
Medical Library James H. Quillen College of Medicine East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
Cheryl J. Hamberg, M.S.L.S. Library Director
Meharry Medical College Library 1005 D. B. Todd Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37208
Received February 1990; accepted March 1990
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX System specifications
The potential for CD-ROM use in libraries remains remarkable. Yet, the introduction of any new technology possesses both advantages and drawbacks [1]. This communication addresses the problem of extra staff time needed to train end users. Copadagli and associates found that instruction in use of CD-ROM was necessary [2]. At Meharry, instruction in the use of Cambridge and SilverPlattert CD-ROM systems is provided in small groups, as well as one-on-one. As Crane and Durfee stated, few librarians have found they can rely on vendor-supplied user aids or the user-friendliness of search software [3]. Pearce calculated that users typically require fifteen to twenty minutes of explanation before entering the system and almost invariably return for help two or three times during their initial search [4]. Meharry end users have remarked that unless they use the system once or twice per week, they forget details of using the system. At the National Library of Medicine CD-ROM forum in Bethesda, Maryland, librarians agreed that staffing is a problem [5]. As a possible solution, Deeney suggested using library school students to staff the reference desk in health sciences libraries [6]. Meharry librarians devised a similar approach with a unique component; they trained a medical school student to teach online searching to medical end users.
Hardware File server = MICRONICS 386 PC 20MHZ Version 4.0 CD-ROM drives = 5 Hitachi CDR-1503S 1 AMDEC Laserdrive Interface cards Token rings: Racore 802.5 (V2.10) IBM V2.40 (for IBM PS/2 Model 80) Cabling Any 10 IBM or IBM-compatible PCs with fixed disks and 640K Software Novell NetWare 286 V2.15
SilverPlatter software OPTI-NET software V1.10 Microsoft MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions (MSCDEX)
* Presented October 17-21, 1989, at the Southern Chapter of the Medical Library Association meeting, Johnson City, Tennessee. t SilverPlatter is a registered trademark of SilverPlatter Information, Inc.
Bull Med Libr Assoc 79(1) January 1991
65
Luiza B. Balthazar, M.L.S. Associate Director Head, Information Processing Medical Sciences Library New York Medical College Basic Sciences Building Valhalla, New York 10595
CD-ROM technology has become a reality in the health sciences field. Rapid improvements in optical disk technology combined with the development of local area networks (LANs) have led to new ways of managing CD-ROM stations in the library environment [1-6]. This paper describes the installation and operation of a CD-ROM LAN developed at the Medical Sciences Library of New York Medical College. INITIAL CD-ROM INSTALLATION In 1987 the library received a financial gift from the Jose Arduengo Memorial Fund and the Alumni Association. The decision was made to install two CDROM stations for the free use of the college's students, faculty, and staff. MEDLINE* in CD-ROM format was available from a few companies at the time. SilverPlattert MEDLINE was selected and, in December 1987, the library entered two subscriptions for MEDLINE, covering the years 1983 to date. The software was mounted on two IBM XT personal computers (PCs) with fixed disks and two top-loading Philips CM 100 CD-ROM drives, with two IBM Proprinter II printers. By the end of 1988, two additional stations had been installed with funds from the library budget: one IBM XT PC with a fixed disk, one front-loading Hitachi CDR-1503S CD-ROM drive, one Epson FX-50 printer; one IBM PS/2 Model 30 PC with Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions (MSCDEX), four front-loading daisychained Hitachi CDR-1503S CD-ROM drives, and one IBM Proprinter II printer. The library, therefore, had four individual user CDROM stations and was leasing three sets of Silver*
MEDLINE is a registered trademark of the National Library of Medicine. t SilverPlatter is a registered trademark of SilverPlatter Information, Inc.
Bull Med Libr Assoc 79(1) January 1991
Platter MEDLINE, 1983 to date. When the MEDLINE archival files (1966-1982) became available in July 1989, these were also leased to provide coverage of the entire database. In addition, one subscription to SilverPlatter PsycLITif had been added.
CD-ROM LAN INSTALLATION The increased use of the CD-ROM stations and the burden imposed on the staff (only library staff could change or handle disks) combined with the popularity of the daisy-chained IBM PS/2 pointed the way to investigating recent developments in networking. Commercial CD-ROM network systems offering multiple user capability were considered. Their applications in several university libraries were enticing; however, such a solution would have required another expensive commitment [7-11]. Installation of a Novell NetWare** V2.15 LAN at the New York Medical College in 1989 gave impetus to link the library CD-ROM stations through a file server and make database searching accessible through the collegewide network. The library IBM PCs were already on the college network, with cabling completed and token rings already installed, in preparation for an integrated library system. With the guidance and assistance of the college Information Services Department, a plan was devised to use a newly purchased MICRONICS 386 PC as a dedicated CD-ROM file server. The file server had six CD-ROM drives attached (the original five Hitachis plus one new AMDEC Laserdrive) supporting six MEDLINE disks, covering 1984 to date. One IBM XT required extended memory to 640K. OPTI-NET§ V1.10 was used to establish communication between NetWare and SilverPlatter software. System specifications are given in the appendix. The remaining two top-loading Philips drives (less suited for connection to the file server) were used as stand-alone units, each attached individually to two of the PCs on the network. This permits changing to the MEDLINE backfiles, and significantly, the independent use of these drives if the network is inaccessible. At this writing, the files could be accessed simultaneously from any IBM or IBM compatible PC on the college network; however, the present system supports only ten users at one time. These are four user stations, several library staff PCs (IBM PS / 2 Modt PsycLIT is a registered trademark of the American Psychological Association. *I* Novell NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. § OPTI-NET is a registered trademark of Online Computer Systems, Inc. 63
Brief communications Figure 1 Ubrary CD-ROM network
LEGEND
File Server MICRONICS 386
[J i
Library Stations 2 IBM XTs + 2 Drives 1 IBM XT & 1 PS/2 Model 30
Information Services Area
although appointments have also been accepted. There is a thirty-minute limit if another user is waiting. The SilverPlatter software is easily learned, but each user is required to go through the instructional tutorial with a database guide available on each disk. This is followed by individual instruction given at point of use by the Information Services librarian or by either of the two backup staff. The CD-ROM LAN as presently configured has greatly reduced the time-consuming task of exchanging disks. The increased use of the system, however, has also expanded the responsibilities of the Information Services librarian and the two backup staff. Staff commitment continues for assisting users in determining the most effective search strategies to achieve efficient and satisfying results. The simultaneous multiple use of the system has not affected the rapid response time and good performance of the SilverPlatter software. In addition, duplicate subscriptions to MEDLINE are no longer necessary. The credit received was applied to other biomedical databases that were examined on a trial basis.
1 IBM PS/2-Model 60
FD-1 [ff
Library Staff PCs 2 IBM PS/2 Model 50 1 IBM PS/2 Model 80 IBM or IBM Compatible PCs Present Future
els 50, 60, 80), as well as numerous PCs located elsewhere on campus (Figure 1). Different disk options are available to users who may wish to download searches-both 3½h" or 51/4", high or low density-as the network accommodates various types of equipment. The total outlay for this project was under $5,000 based on preexisting hardware and college networking. Budgetary constraints permitting, a fourteen-drive system was planned for summer 1990.
OPERATION The dedicated MICRONICS file server with the six CD-ROM drives is located in a small, locked storage area on the lower level of the library. This room provides a fairly constant temperature and dust-free environment and makes the files available on a twentyfour-hour basis to remote users. The four stations in the library's Information Services area are accessible during daytime operating hours. Users have been requested to sign a log book. Searching is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, 64
CONCLUSIONS The installation of an in-house local area CD-ROM network has been successfully accomplished, exceeding expectations. Few interruptions took place, other than those needed for required adjustments. Difficulties may yet occur, as the system is tested and evaluated. Opportunities for further innovation and progress continue to be explored. The college Information Services staff has supported this project with their time and expertise. The svstem is a valuable public relations tool attracting users and making them aware of the advantages of automated information retrieval of the biomedical literature. The costs to the library of installing and maintaining a CD-ROM LAN are affordable and justified in terms of the significantly improved and expanded services.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Sincere thanks to the staff of the Alumni Computer Learning Laboratory and Information Services Department for their vision and hard work in making this network a reality. REFERENCES 1. EDDISON B. Getting ready for a local area network. Database 1989 Apr;12(2):108-10. 2. GILDA SA. Multi-user CD-ROM systems for schools and libraries. Laserdisk Prof 1989 Jul;2(4):14-7. 3. LAURISTON R. Seven top LANs: a hard look at ease of use. PC World 1989 Jun;7(6):88-93. Bull Med Libr Assoc 79(1) January 1991
Brief communications 4. LEGGoTT M. LANs and CD-ROMs. OCLC Micro 1989 Aug; 5(4):18-19, 22. 5. PEMBERTON AC. LP interviews Chris Pooley of SilverPlatter new products, new software, and a network.... Laserdisk Prof 1989 Mar;2(2):17-22. 6. TENOPIR C. What's happening with CD-ROM, part 2: networks and more. Libr J 1989 Nov 1;114(18):68-70. 7. CAREY J. Installing a local area compact disk network. Coll Res Libr News 1989 Dec;50(11):988-91. 8. GRANr MA, STALKE JC. The multiplatter CD-ROM network at Boston College. Laserdisk Prof 1989 Sep;2(5):12-8. 9. HARNEY JM. A comparison of different CD-ROM local area networks in universities. CD-ROM EndUser 1989 Jun; 1(2):17-22. 10. REESE J. CD-ROM at Vanderbilt University: continuing costs and issues. Laserdisk Prof 1989 Mar;2(2):30-7. 11. SiLvER H. Managing a CD-ROM installation ... a case study at Hahnemann University. Online 1988 Mar;12(2): 61-6.
Medical students as CD-ROM end-user trainers* By Martha F. Earl, M.S.L.S. Reference Librarian
Medical Library James H. Quillen College of Medicine East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
Cheryl J. Hamberg, M.S.L.S. Library Director
Meharry Medical College Library 1005 D. B. Todd Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37208
Received February 1990; accepted March 1990
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX System specifications
The potential for CD-ROM use in libraries remains remarkable. Yet, the introduction of any new technology possesses both advantages and drawbacks [1]. This communication addresses the problem of extra staff time needed to train end users. Copadagli and associates found that instruction in use of CD-ROM was necessary [2]. At Meharry, instruction in the use of Cambridge and SilverPlattert CD-ROM systems is provided in small groups, as well as one-on-one. As Crane and Durfee stated, few librarians have found they can rely on vendor-supplied user aids or the user-friendliness of search software [3]. Pearce calculated that users typically require fifteen to twenty minutes of explanation before entering the system and almost invariably return for help two or three times during their initial search [4]. Meharry end users have remarked that unless they use the system once or twice per week, they forget details of using the system. At the National Library of Medicine CD-ROM forum in Bethesda, Maryland, librarians agreed that staffing is a problem [5]. As a possible solution, Deeney suggested using library school students to staff the reference desk in health sciences libraries [6]. Meharry librarians devised a similar approach with a unique component; they trained a medical school student to teach online searching to medical end users.
Hardware File server = MICRONICS 386 PC 20MHZ Version 4.0 CD-ROM drives = 5 Hitachi CDR-1503S 1 AMDEC Laserdrive Interface cards Token rings: Racore 802.5 (V2.10) IBM V2.40 (for IBM PS/2 Model 80) Cabling Any 10 IBM or IBM-compatible PCs with fixed disks and 640K Software Novell NetWare 286 V2.15
SilverPlatter software OPTI-NET software V1.10 Microsoft MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions (MSCDEX)
* Presented October 17-21, 1989, at the Southern Chapter of the Medical Library Association meeting, Johnson City, Tennessee. t SilverPlatter is a registered trademark of SilverPlatter Information, Inc.
Bull Med Libr Assoc 79(1) January 1991
65
