Innovations and inventions Ralph R. Shaw




1 innovations , inventions

1.1 bookmobile
1.2 transaction card charging
1.3 photo-clerk
1.4 rapid selector





innovations , inventions

ralph shaw said have been “anti-machine” when came libraries. through administrative advances , use of technology, shaw “adapted , invented machines library work” because “by completing routine tasks of librarianship more efficiently, machines enable professional librarians devote more time intellectual aspects of work”. shaw s work machines led him pioneer discussions of conflicts within library science spurred technology. dedicated bibliographer, shaw noted bibliography traditionally focused upon physical aspects of item or on method of production. show noted library science progressed bibliography placed increasing emphasis upon intellectual content of work, required different conceptual frames process , require different organizational methods.


bookmobile

while director @ gary public library in indiana, shaw “purchased small house trailers, redesigned interiors, , transported them single truck cab specified stations throughout gary on regular schedule”. version of bookmobile saved more money “door-to-door deliveries” version in place previously.


transaction card charging

also, while @ library in gary, shaw improved process libraries tracked books on due. used many librarians, when books returned, having through cards, find date due , identify late returns. transaction cards placed in books , “numbered in serial order” date when books returned, missing books prompted late notice.


photo-clerk

the photoclerk used in transaction card charging system make copies of due date cards. shaw experimented photo-clerk @ department of agriculture library.


rapid selector

the rapid selector device used search microfilm. vannevar bush had developed “microfilm storage , information retrieval device expanded - in theory, anyway - plans ‘memex’ machine, futuristic device foreshadowed modern computer , hypertext linking”. “with dr. bush’s permission, ralph used concepts develop more effective , commercially viable machine”, however, “nothing ever came of rapid selector”.








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