Virginia Commonwealth University
Exhibits Tompkins-McCaw Library Special Collections & Archives
VCU Libraries

75 Years on 12th Street

1980-1989

1980

1980: COMCAT Introduced, Provides Catalog for Both University Libraries

VCU Libraries introduces COMCAT, a microfiche based catalog that provides several improvements over the old card catalogs, including a single catalog for both libraries, cost savings, and improved access for users with physical disabilities.

1981

1981: Journal Stacks

1982

1982: Flexner Report Exhibit

1984

1984: Reference Desk

1986

1986: ALIS Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) Introduced

A search interface for the library's computer based catalog, ALIS, is provided to the public for the first time on March 24. The system allows patrons to type in an author, title, or other search term and receive a list of holdings.

1980s

1980s: COMCAT and ALIS terminals side by side

1980s

1980s: Interlibrary Loan Office

1970s 1990s