An extended Public Enquiry system at the University of Hull

When Hull University became the first UK library to install the Geac 8000 system in 1980, the Brynmor Jones Library was fortunate in having programming staff from the University Computer Centre seconded to the Library on a semi‐permanent basis. By 1986 the programming team, which has varied in number from 1 to 3 over the years, had already created one of the first networked OPAC systems in the country and had also started to use the 8000 for non‐library systems. GEMS (an electronic message facility) available to all members of the University without the need for separate registration had proved so popular with students that the number of terminals in the Library accessing the system simultaneously had to be reduced in order to prevent other library users being denied access to the catalogue. Also, both a Careers Information system and a Stores system have been in daily use by many departments in the University since 1986. All these facilities were made available via the main Public Enquiry system on the 8000.