New On-Line Inventory May Speed Coop Sales

For students waiting in line at the Coop, the textbook search may seem no easier.

But according to Coop Book Director Dan DeLellis, things are different this year.

A new on-line inventory listing, installed this July, should allow the store to know immediately what texts are in stock and which to reorder. With the new system, employees can also tell students if book which is out of stock at Harvard is available at the MIT or Business School Coop stores.

The Coop has also upgraded its electronic scanning system this year, speeding students through the check-out process, DeLellis said. Since the system has been installed, lines have gotten about 40 percent shorter, he said.

"We're happy with the way the system is working," DeLellis said.

Both new additions are part of an ongoing effort to upgrade the Coop's on-line system, according to General Manager Allan Powell.

"We're still in the process of improving the new computer system in the company," Powell said.

Despite the high-tech innovation, however, students interviewed yesterday said they see no great improvement.

"I didn't really notice," said Julian D. Alexander '96.

Some undergraduates searching the aisles for their History 97 books found the shelf filled, but not with the desired texts.

"I can't find the books!" said Sarah J. Burt-Kinderman '97. "I see lots of books on slavery, but they're not mine. There are so many books used for different sections, why don't they mark what is what? They all say 'Section 1."

Brent J. Foster '97 had a similar problem.

"It's hard to locate the right books," Foster said

Brent J. Foster '97 had a similar problem.

"It's hard to locate the right books," Foster said