----------------------------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 [log in to unmask]