Accessories: monitor (a); keyboard (b); one black cable; one grey cable; function key template; part of cable; printout of an e-mail from Chip Robinson (c)

Description:

A rectangular, beige plastic keyboard with standard keys accompanies the computer.

Signedin black letters on top right hand corner of keyboard: IBM

FunctionThe IBM desk top computer is a re-programmable electric, digital, stored-program personal desktop computer which is usually used to perform repetitive computations (as opposed to following a single long list of instructions). As such, its function is extremely variable and flexible. This particular device, however, was used in the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library at Harvard University as a Hollis search terminal. Hollis is the Harvard Libraries digital catalogue. The computer was so used from 1986 until 1996.

This particular monitor was acquired in 1992. Computer monitors provide a visual output interface by which users can monitor various computer processes, results, and retrieve information. This monitor was designed especially for Harvard Hollis use by IBM in Korea. The monitor cover is designed to reduce the glare of computer monitors, creating less discomfort and damage to users’ eyes.

The keyboard is a manual input device through which users communicate with a computer. Keyboards are for inputting symbolic information (commonly for word processing and programming purposes). They are typically equipped with several buttons (modeled after type writer buttons) that communicate electronically with the central processing unit of the computer.

A discussion of keyboards is available here.

Historical AttributesUsed from 1986 to 1996 in Widener Library, Harvard University, as a Hollis terminal. The monitor was made explicitly for Harvard by IBM.

ProvenanceFrom Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, Harvard University, 1996.