Computer assisted method for conducting library research from a remote location and associated apparatus

摘要

A computer assisted method for conducting library research from a first location which is remote from the printed work storage location includes identifying at the first location a book to be viewed and delivering the request through computers and telecommunications apparatus to the book storage location followed by delivering the book to a book viewing station and remotely reviewing digital images of at least portions of the book created by a digital imaging system. The computer is programmed to permit a user at the first location to adjust the digital imaging system at the second location and to identify pages of the book to be viewed. Robots may be employed to deliver the book to the book viewing station from the book storage area and to return the book from the book viewing station to the book storage area. Hard copies of the digital image of one or more pages of the book may be made at the first location. Instructions after viewing the book at the book viewing station may be provided from the first location to request return of the book to the book storage area or delivery of the book to a location other than the book storage location. A robot may be employed to turn the pages of the book. Corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.