THE DYNIX LIBRARY AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Those who read the computing press will be aware of the increasing attention being paid in recent months to the Pick operating system; though not a new operating system — it was first launched in the late 60s‐ its virtues and capabilities, particularly with respect to database management applications, are being re‐appraised, with its adherents pushing for its implementation on an ever wider range of hardware. Its characteristics have led a number of firms to regard it as being particularly appropriate for library applications: URICA is implemented on Microdata's version of Pick; Logical Choice have designed their BookshelF package using Pick; and, now, a third Pick‐based system is being introduced to the UK. This latest one comes from the American firm Dynix who have over the last 16 months installed their system in 25 US libraries, ranging in size from 23,000 titles to 260,000 titles, from configurations of 4 terminals to 108 terminals. Dynix is being marketed in the UK jointly by Universal Computers Ltd (UCL) and Biblio Tech Ltd who are incorporating DYNIX into their existing range of academic library systems (see VINE 57 for a description of these products). UCL has offices in Central London, Beaconsfield, Manchester and Taunton and is currently training up a systems support team to be based in Beaconsfield. UCL will concentrate on Public Library and the larger systems with Biblio Tech handling Academic Libraries and providing overall library expertise in such areas a pre‐installation system design, data conversion, UK enhancements, barcoding and training.