BNB/British Library IBM 360/370 Library Software Package

The design is outlined of a package comprising four main sets of programs referred to as ‘modules’; progress to date is noted and Modules 1 and 2 are described in some detail. The package is of direct use to IBM 360/370 users wishing to input, process and output MARC and MARC‐like records, but can also serve as a basis for software design and implementation for users of other computers. Module 1,MARC record input, which was developed with OSTI support has already been released in DOS and OS versions. Module 2, Local record input, will be released by the end of September 1973. Module 4, Output, will be released by the end of April 1974. With the completion of Module 4 the package will be operational for basic catalogue input, processing and output. No dates have been set for Module 3 which will be oriented to other application areas. Programs so far written are in Assembler and operate within a 64K core store machine (DOS) or a 64K partition (OS) with a minimum of 2 tape units and 3 disc drives. A number of developments are noted which will very considerably enhance the potential use of BNB/BL MARC services and it is concluded that the package will play its part in encouraging increased use of MARC records. It is projected that the majority of new BNB/BL MARC subscribers with IBM 360/370 machines will use the package, as will the British Library itself. A subsidiary finding of the library software package project is that where common programs are required by a number of installations including a central one, central provision and maintenance of this software has significant advantages.