Search before Google

August 23, 2007

In a land far away, before gopher, Yahoo, or Google, it was hard to find the data you needed. You could go to the library and search through the microfiche and card catalogs, or you could dig up old newspapers to find information on a given topic. Eventually, however, these guys came along, and for a mere $40 you could have your very own Custom Computer Search performed!

I found this old brochure locked away in a filing cabinet at my Grandmother’s house. She was a school teacher for years in the 50s, 60s, and 70s and also never throws anything away. It blew my mind when I thought about how hard it used to be to find that needle in the haystack of all the worlds information. Here, this brochure advertises the ‘ERIC’ database, and for a fee, will perform a search for you.

A few excerpts (images below!):

HOW DO I INITIATE A SEARCH?
Call Toll Free…
For best results, a toll free telephone call permits discussion of strategy for your search.


HOW MUCH DOES A SEARCH COST?
Regular and Institution Rate -$35 (base price covers up to 100 citations)
$5 (for each additional 50 citations)

Read the rest in the images below, click to reach larger versions.

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