Library Technology Guides

The least expensive WORM-based filing system available at this time is the Summit Laser-Base 1200 filing system from Laser Magnetic Storage International Company, a joint venture of N. V. Philips and Control Data Corporation. It is the first complete 12-inch WORM system priced under $60,000. The system can scan, index, file, retrieve, and print up to 40,000 digitized images on a disk. Once indexed, a single page can be retrieved in approximately 10 seconds. There is also a model 2400 available which integrates two WORM drives. A jukebox system for supporting more drives is planned. Until then, disks can be interchanged manually. The system is in use at a European library which is scanning materials in its municipal archives collection. While the cost for creating the WORM-based file is slightly higher than that of in-house microfilming, the much faster retrieval, and the potential for remote access, make the WORM system attractive.