We have seen indications that progressive libraries in the U.S. and Canada have found a new way to serve their patrons, thanks to Timex computer technology. Shawnee State College in Portsmouth, Ohio, has obtained three TS-1500’s which are available for loan to students and faculty. The computer is checked out from the library just like a book. The library has ordered a TS-2040 printer for loan with the computers.
The portability of the TS-1500 and its sturdiness (compared to the TS-1000), as well as its low cost, make this computer an excellent choice for lending. The machines are loaned out in a molded plastic carrying case for protection. The library leases the computers from Scioto Software Systems, Inc., Rt. 1, Box 41, Lucasville, Ohio 45648. Also available are programming manuals and software on cassette.
A recent issue of Ramblings (a newsletter put out by Timex) describes a public library in Shrub Oak, New York, that loans out a TS-1000 and a ZX-81, with 16K RAMs, tape recorder, and software cassetes. The program instituted there has been quite successful. “How to Market Your Timex-Sinclair Software” by Softmark Associates reports that a Montreal library has a similar arrangement.
We have heard from a few user groups, including the Cincinnati Timex Sinclair User Group, who are actively encouraging local libraries to obtain Timex computers to lend to their patrons.