Software lending library

ABSTRACT

Cornell University has a rather unique approach in microcomputer user support. In the spring of 1983, we ordered several software packages for our office IBM personal computers. At the time we also purchased all the microcomputers for university departments. Because of this situation, we were in the public eye of campus microcomputer users. People would inquire about our software as they saw it in our office. How did we like it? Could they try it? Remember, software is usually purchased for a specific machine. How did we provide support to our campus users and remain legal?

Since we were such a public area we thought that something like a lending library might be a feasible option. We drafted policies on how we would check out software packages. A deposit, either a check or a departmental account number, would be required. People could check out a package for a week at a time, and they would have to sign a form stating that they had no intention of copying either the software or the documentation. We then drafted a letter to the dozen or so companies whose software we had and asked their permission to let users try the software. Enclosed with each letter was a copy of the form users would sign indicating the restrictions and limitations of use. Much to our delight, most companies responded very favorably to our request.

After this initial success, I decided to carry the library one step further. We supported Apple, IBM, and DEC microcomputers for the campus and subscribed to a number of computer magazines. I selected about 100 packages that had received good reviews from campus users and/or magazines. These companies were contacted and asked if they would participate in our library by supplying us with a package. If this was not possible, did they have a demonstration package, or could they give us some kind of a discount? The result is a three-page list of software housed in the Lending Library. The list is updated monthly (some packages arrive for a 30-60 day trial), because of new additions. Most companies are more than happy to participate and approve of our attempts to keep materials secure.

Many of the software companies were unsure how to respond to this novel idea. Since the inception of the Lending Library, several universities and the Cornell Medical College in New York City have contacted us for guidance and advice on how “to get started.” It is certainly worth the time and effort to begin such a library and support the users in this way.

Index Terms

• Software and its engineering

  • Software notations and tools

    • Software libraries and repositories