InfoTrac: An Inhouse Computer‐Access System
| Pages | 91-94 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047599 |
| Published date | 01 February 1985 |
| Date | 01 February 1985 |
| Author | Richard Carney |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
InfoTrac:
An Inhouse Computer-Access System
Richard Carney
InfoTrac is a laserdisc system that
provides local
access
to IAC's periodical
databases. The system employs
an IBM PC microcomputer, a Hewlett-
Packard Thinkjet
printer,
and a Pioneer
videodisc
player.
It offers many
of the advantages of online
searching at a predictable cost.
In January 1985, Information Access Company
demonstrated its new InfoTrac computer-access
periodical reference system at the American Library
Association conference in Washington, DC. This
marked the culmination of an 18-month product
development project aimed at offering libraries the
most extensive, self-contained reference system with
local computer searching capabilities.
InfoTrac combines up to four microcomputers
and printers with a database stored on one (or more)
12 inch laserdisc(s). The first systems (to be de-
livered to libraries) will offer indexes to more than
1,000 publications, with coverage back to January
1982.
The selection of periodicals was based on the
typical holdings of major public and academic li-
braries. The database includes a significant amount of
material, particularly in the area of business, that
has never before been included in IAC computer-
output-microfilm (COM) or online databases.
A fully cumulated database, on laserdisc, will be
delivered to subscribers monthly. The disc, which is
virtually indestructible in routine use, is easier to
replace than to change an audio recording on a
turntable. The videodisc player is contained in a
security console. In most circumstances, the console
will not be opened more than once a month, when a
new disc arrives.
The initial InfoTrac database on laserdisc will
contain more than two and one-half times the num-
ber of citations offered in the largest COM index.
The capacity of a disc allows approximately 2.5
million references, equivalent to five years of cita-
tions to more than 1,000 publications.
InfoTrac was designed as a user-friendly system;
it offers patrons relatively sophisticated search
Carney is vice president of product development
at the Information Access Company.
ISSUE 10 91
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