Technology Arrives at the Athenaeum
1849: Gas lighting installed in the Athenaeum.
1898: Electricity introduced to the building thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Shepard and an anonymous benefactor. 100 "incandescent electric burners" were soon installed in the library room.
1912: An electric vacuum cleaner is purchased by the Athenaeum "for use on the books and floors."
1915: A telephone is installed: "a great convenience in renewing books and ordering books sent by parcel post."
1946: An addressograph machine is purchased.
1986: A DEC microcomputer with a letter-quality printer purchased to print mailing labels and annual bills.
1996: The Athenaeum starts accepting credit card payments for membership charges and donations.
1999: The Circulation system and the catalog area automated.
2003: A Dell Poweredge 1400sc server installed and staff computers networked together.
(From Inquire Within)