This 1970s film “Access” delivers a lesson on computers, software and networks for the uninitiated. At the time it was made, computerized information systems were beginning to solve the perceived issue of overabundance of information. Some of the computer software programs explored in the film is Lockheed’s DIALOG information retrieval system, the “SPIRES II” system at Stanford and the “LEADER” system at Lehigh University among others. The social impact of these programs is explored as well as other examples of computer equipment and terminals.

An example is provided about how a doctor might have to search through thousands of medical documents (:51). The film was created by John Hunt (1:30) and produced for Professor Ed Parker of Stanford University. An array of tools appear in montage (1:40). Originally computers were created for computation beginning with the “father” of the modern computer; Charles Babbage. A haystack appears as the ‘needle in the hay stack’ is used to compare the issue of finding information (1:56). A Durr Crane makes the job easy (2:05) similarly as to how a computer might. The camera moves down a row of books in the San Mateo County California library (2:38). The DIALOG system is put to use at the Office of Education (2:44). A researcher plops at a desk with a desktop terminal and rotary telephone (2:51). DIALOG; developed by Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory in 1966, was offered commercially in 1972. Images of the Earth’s surface appear in microfiche form (3:39) retrieved from a NASA satellite. These are researched using a microfiche film viewer (3:47). The House of Representatives appears (4:13). Congressman Pete McCloskey (4:23) of California makes a phone call to a woman (4:41) using the computer information system to retrieve information on the history of a particular bill. In April of 1973; congressman Wayne Hays announced the introduction of this new service. “SPIRES II”; Stanford Public Information Retrieval System, was developed at Stanford University (6:18). A student uses the system; hosted on an IBM System/360, to search for a restaurant (6:31). Wine is poured as a couple dines at an Italian restaurant (7:20). The SPIRES I prototype was implemented at SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Center) in 1969. SPIRES II was made available in 1972. The “LEADER” information system (7:31) is put to use at Lehigh University in Bethlehem; Pennsylvania. This program was developed by Professor Donald Hillman in 1962. This ran on the IBM model 1800 data acquisition and control system implemented in 1964. The screen displays a list of four available databases to be searched. A simple search is conducted (7:37). A more complex search is conducted (9:16). A Stanford man operates a crane (9:47). Other information retrieval systems including BASIS 70, INTREX and RIQS were being developed (10:22). Explaining database access (10:27). A HAZELTINE 2000 terminal appears (10:59) near an acoustic coupler. This was one of the first “smart” computers introduced in 1970. It cost $2,995. Other equipment shown includes an IBM electronic typewriter (11:04), an ITT Teletype machine and a CDC (Control Data Corporation) terminal with an electronic light pencil attachment. Databases fall into three categories (11:18). Documents retrieval and information compilation (11:21) with sample documents on screen. More generalized systems were expected to emerge (11:59). Media which is used to store the information is explored (12:03) including the magnetic tape drive, magnetic disk units and drum storage units. CDC disk units appear in a row (12:20). The IBM System/360 (12:59) along with the Control Data Corporation CDC 6600 (13:02). The digital PDP 11/20 (13:08). The development of transportation encouraged growth in communication (13:24). An issue of Schreiber’s Magazine from August of 1892 (13:30) appears. Magazine covers of the day follow (13:44). A newspaper printing press pumps out pages (13:50). Early ideas of harvesting information to provide information reflecting individual preferences or subject material (14:10). Laser technology (14:22). TYMNET (14:41) connects people to computer by phone. ARPA (14:50) connects individual computers together. A Control Data computer terminal (Ticketron) is put to use (15:11). An experimental free co-op computer research terminal (16:29) operates out of UC Berkeley California.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com