Connecting via telnet and learning some basic commands in order to search
for a title wasn't really very complicated. It probably only looked that
way. Southern Methodist University was developing a computerized search
facility that was apparently rather cutting-edge for its time. I'm sure
that the actual process of getting into the library catalog was much simpler
than it seemed from the explanation, but getting through the explanation
seemed to require an advanced academic degree:
Introduction:
SMU is announcing the availability of PONI via the Internet.
PONI (Public ONline Information) is the name for our NOTIS library public
catalog system. The PONI catalog contains over one million bibliographic
entries including over 185,000 U.S. government documents. SMU has completely
converted the shelflist records for all campus libraries: Central Libraries,
Underwood Law Library, Bridwell [Theology] Library, and the Business Information
Center. Central libraries include Media Services, Special Collections in
the Degolyer Library, ISEM Reading Room [Institute for the study of Earth
and Man], undergraduate/graduate collections in Fondren Library, Science
Information Center and Hamon Arts Library.
Accessing PONI:
PONI's Internet address is vm.cis.smu.edu. You must use
TN3270 to access PONI. Instructions for using PONI are clearly described
in the introductory and help screens. PONI is available Monday - Saturday
from 7:30 am to 2 am and from Noon Sunday to 2 am Monday, Central Time.
Once you get access to our distinctive sign-on screen,
enter PONI. Then clear the CICS "good morning" message and enter LUSM.
To exit from PONI press clear twice and enter CSSF LOGOFF. This should
disconnect your sessions. If you have questions concerning ....