We all know technology moves at the speed of light, and this is especially clear in libraries and academia where we are not far past the days of card catalogs and print periodicals. The sheer volume of information at our fingertips can feel overwhelming, and the tools we use to access this information seem as though they evolve on a daily basis. Here in the archives, we thought it would be fun to take a look at how these tools have changed over time on our campus. Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a look at some interesting technological advancements here at Western New England. This week, we’ll start with the first computers on campus.

Western New England University has always been on the cutting edge of technology. Back in 1964, the University was one of only four colleges nationwide with an IBM 1620 on its campus.

Students work at the IBM 1620, 1964

A closer look at the label on the machine, IBM 1620

That’s right, one of only four! IBM only made about 2000 of the data processing machine before halting production in 1970. By 1971, Western New England had already moved on to the IBM 1130.

A student works on the IBM 1130, circa 1970s

A closer look at the label on the machine, IBM 1130

Student holding the text book for IBM 1130, 1974

Both machines are remembered as being the very first experience with a computer for many people, especially students. The machines lived in the Computer Center, which was located on the first floor in the old West Building, now known as Herman Hall. The Computer Center was built in 1964 upon the arrival of the IBM 1620.

The Westerner, September 1973

The article above provides an explanation of the Computer Center, and a bit of its history and purpose, stating,

Located on the first floor of the West Building, the Computer Center’s main function, according to Lindberg, “is to serve the student.” It was established eight years ago as an academic tool for the Engineering student. When the Business School was inaugurated, the computer became an integral part of their curriculum. The college also decided to use the computer for administrative processing.

In weeks to come, we’ll explore more about technology on campus, and even take a look at how the next big thing, the internet, changed life on campus.

Even though the snow is falling outside, spring semester officially begins today! We’re excited to see everyone back in the library!

The staff in the library and archives tend to catch up on projects while students are away, and one of our favorites is taking inventory. While we didn’t do an inventory over winter break (as it’s a task typically done over the long summer months), back in 1972, the library performed an inventory during the fall, and came back with surprising results!

The look on the librarian’s face in the above newspaper article says it all.

According to the article, nearly 900 books were marked as missing during 1972. A missing book is still an unwelcome occurrence these days, but would have been even more disappointing 50 years ago. Now, we have plenty of options, including journal articles and online resources, whereas then, a missing book may have been the only resource available on a particular topic. The article notes that the entire Russian history section was missing – our sympathies to any students enrolled in a Russian history course in 1972!

There were various solutions discussed to avoid further theft, but none seemed to be the right fit at the time. Guards at the doors would have been “bad publicity,” and alarms were deemed too expensive. Closing the stacks (meaning students would not be allowed near the bookshelves and a librarian would have to retrieve any requested book) was another option , but impractical considering the time it would take away from librarians’ already busy days. Alarms at the exit doors were eventually adopted, and are still in operation today.

Fortunately stolen books are not as big a problem today as they have been. But if you happen to have a missing or overdue book in your possession, just bring it back, and we promise we won’t look as stern and disappointed as Mrs. Luella Benson!

For those of you close to campus, stop by the library to check out the Archives’ newest display about Greek Life at Western New England University! The display compliments our newest online exhibition of the same name, and is located across from the circulation desk on the first floor of the library.

If you can’t make it, be sure to check out the online exhibition!