Libraries that are thinking big about CD-ROM, especially those considering UMI's Business Periodicals OnDisc, will be happy to learn that Kubik Enterprises has developed a 240 disc capacity CD-ROM juke box with capacity for up to four players at under $10,000. Instead of physically handling discs, patrons can have multi-user access to a large number of discs through an RS-232 interface from a PC or a local library system. The price does not include the players themselves, but any Hitachi, Philips, or Sony CD-ROM drive can be used. Kubik does not provide the user software, therefore, the library or its vendor has to adapt its software to complete the interface. The product is available now. UMI currently is testing a unit at the University of Michigan's Kresge Library and plans to include the unit as an option for its customers beginning in mid-1992.
[Contact: Kubik Enterprises, Inc., 18873 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95970; (408) 867-7169 or Fax (408) 867-0762.]
