artifact

This radio which was produced in the 1950s was used during the 1960s and 1970s at Technical College, Kuala Lumpur. It was used as one the medium of information dissemination and with the purpose of supporting the learning and teaching activities.

The German-made OLYMPIA typewriter, model SGE A62 was used in UTM Library in the late 1970s until 1980s. This typewriter was used in producing catalogue cards. The application of this tool was ceased due to the advent of online catalogue.

This film projector (for 16mm film) along with the 1985 Japanese brand Hokusin audio were used to play films for media services at UTM Library. It was used as a teaching tool by the faculty in the 1980s through the 1990s. It is becoming less widely used when digital technology is widely introduced in the teaching and learning process. The film used was a 16mm in size to fit the projector used. For example, the film of the National Film Malaysia film titled ‘University of Technology Malaysia’. The film is kept in a sealed container to protect it from environmental threats.

This 1985 ‘Cabin’ Overhead Projector 24F model was made in Japan. It was used at UTM Library for media services and as a teaching tool by the faculty at the library’s seminar rooms from the 1980s to the 1990s. This device was commonly used at the time as it was mobile and easy to operate.

From the 1970s to the late 1980s, catalogue cards were the main source of reference used by the library staff and students to search for materials in UTM Library. Each library collection information such as the title, author, publication information and physical description was  recorded to a 3×5-inch catalogue card and organised by main search source based on the title, author and subject for easier retrieval of items on the shelves. The catalogue cards were then arranged and stored in alphabetical order within each drawer of the catalogue card cabinet and separated by the main search source as specified. The card sorter was used to isolate each catalogue card in an alphabetical order and the main search source. The use of the catalogue card was replaced by the first computerised cataloguing system known as BERLIAN which operated from 1987 until 1990. This system made it easier to search for library materials electronically. The use of BERLIAN systems has opened a new dimension to the long history of catalogue cards application in the library services over the years from 1973 to 1987. BERLIAN has taken over the functions of the catalogue card and was considered as a turning point for future system development.