Originally designed for a library of chemical research papers, FastDoc gives users access to an archive of two million articles, scanned and stored as image files. The user's PC automatically places the order via a dial-up link to the library's computer, which automatically processes it. The first page reaches his fax machine within five minutes, together with an invoice, also generated automatically. FastDoc can easily be adapted for use with other document archives, and the partners plan to add an option to transmit both order and document via the Internet. Voice recognition Sprintel, on the other hand, is aimed at the many library-users who have neither the equipment nor the skills to retrieve information electronically.
Public libraries receive a steadily increasing volume of telephone calls from readers.
The vast majority concern matters such as reservations, renewals, and opening hours. Sprintel uses voice-recognition technology to handle these simple queries automatically. More complex requests are routed to the appropriate librarian or voice-mail box. Both FastDoc and Sprintel will improve efficiency by relieving librarians of routine tasks, increasing the time they can spend with readers who need expert help.