University of Lancaster Hybrid Issue System

The paper describes the University of Lancaster Library three‐tier book issue system which separates material into short, popular, and long loan categories. Issues are controlled by a library‐owned, Nova 1220, mini‐computer used in conjunction with the main University ICL 1905F computer. Edge‐punched cards (7″ × 2″) are used as book cards and standard, machine readable ID cards act as borrower badges. The Nova computer, which is on‐line, has been programmed in Assembler code and the ICL computer, used in batch mode, is programmed in Cobol. The computers are interfaced using ICL synchronous line communication protocol. Also described are the data collection units, the programs used, and the breakdown modes of operation.