LIBRARY SWITCH TO COMPUTERS COMPLETED

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The switch from the traditional card catalogue system to a computerized card catalogue and checkout system is complete at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

"We're eliminating the card files," said Terry W. Risko, who assumed the position of library director in early December. "The computer system has been in effect here 16 months, and most of our patrons are familiar with its operation."

"Clyde," the library's computer system, went on line in September 1989.

"All of our people are familiar with the operation of `Clyde,'" said Risko. "Assistance is available to anyone concerning the operation."

The cards previously housed in nine wooden filing cabinets six 60-drawer and three 30-drawer cases have been stacked in boxes beneath the old file cabinets and are destined for the recycling center.

"We're taking bids on the file cabinets now," said Risko. "We need to get them out of the way to give us more space."

"These cabinets are expensive items," said Risko.

The cabinets were purchased 11 years ago, at a bid price of $10,200.

"At today's prices, a library ordering the same amount of cabinets that we have would face a $20,000 to $25,000 price tag," said Risko.

A 1990 library equipment catalog listed the cabinets at more than $3,500 each for the 60-drawer cabinets and more than $1,800 each for the 30-drawer files.

"We'll be taking silent bids on the cabinets," said Risko. "The board will review the bids and determine whether to accept or reject any bid."

When the computer went on line almost 16 months ago, there was some concern about patrons accepting them over the card files.

"We were especially concerned about senior citizens," said Bettye Black, assistant director.

"Our patrons, however, accepted the computer system instantly," added Black. "We left the card file intact, and it was kept up to date for a while. Eventually, the library quit putting new title cards in."

"It's really easier to find books with the computer," said Candace Heise, reference associate at the library. "And, we're always ready to offer a helping hand."

There was also some concern at first about limited terminals.

"We have four terminals available," said Heise. "But, with the exception of a couple of hours a day, we seldom have any lines at the computer."

She said the busiest periods of the day are the hours between 3 and 5 p.m. weekdays, and a couple of hours Saturday.

"We have a lot of junior high and high school students here during those hours," said Heise. "Sometimes there is a short wait before a terminal becomes available."

One of the pluses of the computer system is Infotrac, which allows patrons to search more than three years of issues in more than 400 magazines for articles concerning specific topics.

"All the patron has to do is sit in the front of a computer terminal, type in the subject they wish to search, and press a button," said Risko. "Almost immediately, a list of articles will appear on the screen."

The patron can then select a topic and receive a printout of it.

Infotrac was purchased with a gift to the library. The program's software costs about $15,000 a year.

The computers also speed up reference work.