The Randtriever at Erasmus University, Rotterdam—1969–1990: Two decades of change in mechanical books storage

In April 1969, Remington Rand began installing its automated storage and retrieval system‐the Randtriever—at Erasmus University, Rotterdam. The original system never worked properly and uptime was limited to a few hours a day. Erasmus University has subsequently rebuilt the system, installing safety devices, replacing communications systems, and converting the system to computer control (initially using National Semiconductor SC/MP microprocessors and Apple II computers). Today the system is operational 99.9% of the time and is linked directly to the circulation system of the library. It is currently being directly interfaced to the online public access catalog.