Designing Facilities for a High‐Tech Future: The OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. Headquarters—A Case Study
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047706 |
| Date | 01 April 1987 |
| Pages | 41-48 |
| Published date | 01 April 1987 |
| Author | Ed Pennybacker |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Designing Facilities for a High-Tech Future:
The OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.
Headquarters—A Case Study
Ed Pennybacker
To efficiently operate an online
computer system containing more than
sixteen million records connected to
more than 7,800 terminals, OCLC needed
a facility that could handle both
current requirements and be easily
modified to support new computer hard-
ware architectures. Although libraries
may not be considering facility designs
or remodeling of this magnitude, there
are many similar issues that must be
addressed in preparation for local automa-
tion. These issues include: 1) structural
requirements; 2) environmental considera-
tions;
3) utilities; 4) fire protection;
5) security concepts; and 6) workspace
design. OCLCs solutions are detailed;
and a retrospective appraisal of those
solutions is provided. Essential planning
issues are summarized in a sidebar.
INTRODUCTION
With the increasing use of computers and
related technologies in libraries, the need for
specialized support facilities will become ever
greater. These needs include those for the computer
hardware
itself,
the related telecommunications
equipment, and, of course, the support personnel.
To exemplify accommodation of the above listed
requirements for high technology library support
systems, this article will consider the philosophies
behind the construction of the headquarters for
the OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.
(OCLC).
To efficiently operate an online computer
system containing more than sixteen million records
connected to more than 7,800 terminals requires
a facility that can handle not only the current
requirements but also be flexible to support new
computer hardware architectures. Although libraries
may not be considering facility design or remodeling
of this magnitude, there are many similar issues
which must be addressed in preparation for local
automation. Issues to be addressed in this article
are grouped into the following categories: 1) struc-
tural requirements; 2) environmental considerations;
3) utilities; 4) fire protection; 5) security concepts;
and 6) workspace design.
In each area the original design criteria will
be discussed along with observations on the design
once the facility was occupied. Comparisons at
times will also be made with respect to our previous
facility which was a remodeled warehouse and
with other facilities leased by OCLC.
Pennybacker is Facilities Manager, OCLC
Online Computer Library Center, Dublin, OH.
ISSUE 20 41
To continue reading
Request your trial