On‐line Circulation Control in Havering Public Libraries

The system was introduced simultaneously in February 1975 into all ten libraries within the London Borough of Havering and is the first to provide on‐line facilities linking this number of service points. It performs four main functions: on‐line circulation control, off‐line batch processing, on‐line reservation control, and on‐line and off‐line enquiry systems. The hardware used is the Interdata 74 model mini‐computer, which processes all on‐line functions within Havering, while the G.L.C. mainframe IBM 370/145 computer provides off‐line facilities. The Plessey data pen is the data capture device used at all service points, while interrogation facilities are provided via a teletype terminal at the central library. All service points are linked to the central processor, situated at the central library, by Post Office Datel 100 telecommunication lines.