----------------------------Original message----------------------------
          The Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library operates an
          Ozalid 5025 copier.  It is owned by a commercial vendor who
          provides all copiers & copier maintenance here at UCSD
          libraries and also at the University of Arizona I
          understand.  They set the copier price @ $2.00 for UCSD
          people and $3.00 for non-UC people. A copy is 36" wide by
          any manageable length (the paper is on a 500' roll).
 
          The copy quality of this Ozalid is quite good when it is
          working, but crashes occur frequently.  Parts and labor are
          expensive and overall I believe the machine is a money loser
          for this vendor.  I have observed a high turnover rate of
          their technicians and in addition to operating the machine
          for library users I find it necessary to train the
          under-trained repairmen on how to fix and load toner &
          paper.  The unforgiving nature of this machine requires that
          I run it rather than allow self-service.  The Ozalid was
          purchased by this vendor rather than a Xerox brand because
          only Ozalid would sell them parts and allow service to be
          performed by this vendor instead of Ozalid technicians.
 
          The large format copier will revolutionize how a map
          collection is used and who will want to use it.  Consider
          all ramifications carefully before investing in this tool.
 
          - Paul Leverenz
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