Several college libraries in the Boston area now have on-line catalogs which
the public can access. Each one uses a different system, though, so to help
you out, here is a guide to systems we know work and how to get into them. All
accept 8-1-N settings (except UMass-Boston) and an 80-character screen is
recommended. All have fairly easy to understand on-line help sections. Some
may require a specific baud rate. If you have questions, all have voice
numbers, or you can leave a message for the sysop on Fred the Middlesex News
Computer, (508) 872-8461. Happy hunting!
BOSTON UNIVERSITY: TOMUS. Data for 710,000 books and publications.
ACCESS: (617) 353-9601 (either 300 or 1200 baud). Hit enter a couple of times,
then type ``connect bux'' and hit enter. When you get the ``bux'' prompt, type
``telnet library'' (no ``e'' after the ``l'' in telnet). Hit enter. Keyword
search supports Boolean searches. To log off, type ``end,'' hit enter,
``quit,'' enter and then ``off'' and enter. Voice help: (617) 353-3704.
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY: LOUIS (Library On-line User Information System). Catalogs
roughly 90 percent of the university's two main libraries and most current
periodicals. Older periodicals, government documents and most books and
periodicals in Hebrew or Yiddish are NOT cataloged.
ACCESS: (617) 736-4690 (1200 baud). Hit enter a couple of times, and you're in
the system. To log off, type ``end.'' Voice help: (617) 736-4670.
MIT: BARTON. Includes all material acquired since 1974 except for periodical
articles, maps, pamphlets and non-MIT technical reports. Some pre-1974
publications are included.
ACCESS: (617) 258-6700 (1200 baud). Hit enter a couple of times. Uses same
software as LOUIS at Brandeis. To log off, type ``end.'' Voice help: call
(617) 253-7018 or 253-1617 for connection problems, (617) 253-5683 for other
questions.
TUFTS UNIVERSITY: TULIPS. Catalogs 300,000 books, 25,000 serials. Older
publications and most government documents not included.
ACCESS: (617) 381-3812 (1200 baud); 381-3824 (2400 baud). At ``enter
selection'' prompt, hit L and then enter. For ``username,'' type ``TULIPS''
and hit enter. It takes a few moments for the system to connect. If you use
communications software that does not support VT100 or VT220 emulation
directly (such as Telix), your screen will begin to flash and seem to go
berserk. Wait until it stops, then type ``??'' (yes, two of them) and you will
get a help screen. Uses more complicated search system than other catalogs, so
read directions carefully. Voice help: (617) 381-3345.
WELLESLEY COLLEGE: INNOPAC. Covers 350,000 books, 8,000 magazines. Does not
include government documents.
ACCESS: VT100 emulation required. (617) 237-9010 (1200 baud). At ``username''
prompt, type ``library'' and hit enter. At ``local'' prompt, type ``connect
lib-cat.'' In addition to standard searches, lets you see what books are
shelved near the one you originally requested. Voice help: (617) 235-0320,
ext. 2104.
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT BOSTON: ULYSIS. Catalogs all of the library's
books and periodicals and some government documents and maps.
ACCESS: 7-1-E. (617) 265-3598 or 265-0393 (300 or 1200 baud); (617) 265-0883
or 265-9882 (2400 baud). At ``enter service'' prompt, type ``server'' and hit
enter three or four times. At ``server'' prompt, type ``connect libra'' and
hit enter. At ``username,'' type ``catalog, hit enter. You'll then be asked
for your terminal type. Make a choice and hit enter. Uses a more complicated
search system than other libraries, so read on-line help screens carefully.
Voice help: (617) 929-7622 or 929-7635.
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BOSTON LIBRARY CONSORTIUM/ UNION LIST OF SERIALS. Catalogs all periodicals and
serials held by a number of libraries in the Boston area, including the ones
above, the State Library and some others. Located in Colorado, because the
consortium is using an existing system there to help develop its own.
ACCESS: (303) 830-1546, 1547, or 1548. Hit enter a couple of times, then
enter terminal type. Hit enter for main menu. Boston material is located in
area 17. Supports the Boolean AND function when you add words together. Type
"quicksearch'' for other search commands.
