Readers who take an interest in the history of the vendors of turnkey library automated systems will be aware of the complicated history of the company which began as Computer Translations Inc., in Utah in 1980. Having entered the market with a microcomputer-based backup system for CLSI circulation systems, the company was purchased by a large Salt Lake City Microdata computer dealer and went on to develop a multi- function integrated minicomputer option for library automation. The salient feature of the system was its use of the Pick operating system. 1982 saw another change in ownership-CTI being purchased by the California-based Government Systems Group. CGS and CTI subsequently ran into financial problems. Over the years, at least two groups of former CTI employees set up competing library automation companies-also using systems based on the Pick operating system. Both Advanced Library Concepts and Dynix share this common background. Now, a third such company has emerged, Library Information Systems, Inc.
Background literature on the company suggests that it is the direct descendent of CTI, and that that company may now be considered defunct. The principals in Library Information Systems, Inc., are Gregory Shapton, Ron Williams, and Richard Lauer.
Library Information Systems, Inc., is offering a multifunction library automated system which utilizes the Pick operating system and will run on Prime, Ultimate or Microdata minicomputers. The company expects that most of its installations will be on either the Ultimate or Prime hardware.
Library Information Systems, Inc. indicates that it currently has two alpha development sites: the State of Alaska Film Library and the Pomona Public Library. The State of Alaska is the development site for the Audio-Visual Booking System, and Pomona is the design and test facility for the circulation, cataloging and online catalog functions. Acquisitions and accounting modules are about to be tested at Pomona, and the company expects to have a test serials module ready by the fourth quarter of 1985. The system is described as being "a total redesign and development" of the library product purchased when the ownership of CTI moved from Utah to California.
[Contact: Library Information Systems, Inc., 1691 Browning, Irvine, CA 92714; (714) 261-7425.]
