The Randtriever at Erasmus University, Rotterdam—1969–1990: Two decades of change in mechanical books storage
| Date | 01 March 1990 |
| Published date | 01 March 1990 |
| Pages | 83-85 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047801 |
| Author | Leen Meyboom |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
THE RANDTRIEVER AT ERASMUS UNIVERSITY,
ROTTERDAM—1969-1990:
Two DECADES OF CHANGE IN
MECHANICAL BOOKS STORAGE
Leen
Meyboom
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 inter-
faced to the online public access catalog.
Introduction
In April 1969, Remington Rand began installing
a system for the mechanical storing of books in the
basement of
the
library of Erasmus University, Rotter-
dam. The system today consists of eight aisles with
bookcases containing plastic boxes
on both
sides.
Each
box holds twelve
to
fifteen
books.
In the aisles, robot-
like master columns transport the plastic boxes from
the shelves to a system of conveyor belts in front of
the aisles. Along these conveyor belts the boxes are
carried from the basement
to
the circulation department
two stories
higher.
In the
circulation department, those
books that were requested
are
removed
from
the
boxes.
The boxes then continue on their round-trip journey
back to the basement shelves.
When installation and implementation of this
apparatus began, our goal was to have a system that
would work with the highest possible
uptime.
Achiev-
ing this goal has not been easy. The first problem was
to get the system into operation. To accomplish this
end, several employees from Remington Rand USA
were brought
to
Rotterdam.
Finally, in February
1971,
the plastic boxes were filled with books. The system
initially operated only a few hours
a
day. Later it was
possible to keep the system in operation for all hours
the circulation department was open.
Meyboom is head, Automation Department, Erasmus
University Library, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
— THE RANDTRIEVER AT ERASMUS UNIVERSITY
—
ISSUE 31 — (1990, NO.3) 83
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