
1960s - Era of Punched Cards
Before the arrival of the first computers on campus, data processing was performed using unit record equipment, which were also called electric accounting machines (EAM). Data processing was accomplished by first flow charting a task, then keying data into 80 column punch cards and wiring processing panels in each piece of EAM equipment. That was followed by the choreographing the processing of the punched cards (data) through EAM equipment such sorters, collators, tabulators and printers.
Before the arrival of the first computers on campus, data processing was performed using unit record equipment, which were also called electric accounting machines (EAM). Data processing was accomplished by first flow charting a task, then keying data into 80 column punch cards and wiring processing panels in each piece of EAM equipment. That was followed by the choreographing the processing of the punched cards (data) through EAM equipment such sorters, collators, tabulators and printers.
During the 1960s Boston College established the University Registrar’s office in the basement of Gasson Hall under the direction of Rev. John Fitzgerald, S.J.. The office served as a central data processing center for the Registrar Offices located in each of the individual schools. Fr. Fitzgerald and his assistant, Mary Monahan, utilized the EAM equipment to accomplish the first automation of student information, scheduling of classrooms and the production of output such as student schedules, class lists and grade reports.
The punched card machines were used to enter information and the data appeared as holes in the cards in a format referred to as Hollerith code. Each card consisted of 80 columns and the combination of punched holes in each represented a single letter, number or symbol, which was then printed across the top of the card.
In the student information system devised by Fr. Fitzgerald a card code was assigned to the first column on each card. The remainder of the card would then contain relevant data for that card type. For example, a name and address card had a unique identifier followed by address information punched into defined columns. Fr. Fitzgerald and team were then required to launch very long and time-intensive tasks that often aborted in mid-stream because a fault in a single card. Hence, there was always the warning that accompanied every punched card system: “Do not fold, spindle or mutilate.”
The punched card was also the primary input source for the first IBM 360 system and the hallways of Gasson basement were lined with large metal cabinets holding trays of thousands of punched cards. Security of information was non-existent and the chance for the accidental loss of vital data was very high. So in 1971 this data concern prompted Bernie Gleason to provide relief and modernization to Fr. Fitzgerald’s operation. The student information punched cards were loaded into the IBM mainframe and data was stored on magnetic tape and disk for further updating and processing. The success of this conversion allowed the University to discard the EAM equipment, simplify many processes, enable dissemination of student information, and set the stage for new, improved student registration procedures.
The punched card machines were used to enter information and the data appeared as holes in the cards in a format referred to as Hollerith code. Each card consisted of 80 columns and the combination of punched holes in each represented a single letter, number or symbol, which was then printed across the top of the card.
In the student information system devised by Fr. Fitzgerald a card code was assigned to the first column on each card. The remainder of the card would then contain relevant data for that card type. For example, a name and address card had a unique identifier followed by address information punched into defined columns. Fr. Fitzgerald and team were then required to launch very long and time-intensive tasks that often aborted in mid-stream because a fault in a single card. Hence, there was always the warning that accompanied every punched card system: “Do not fold, spindle or mutilate.”
The punched card was also the primary input source for the first IBM 360 system and the hallways of Gasson basement were lined with large metal cabinets holding trays of thousands of punched cards. Security of information was non-existent and the chance for the accidental loss of vital data was very high. So in 1971 this data concern prompted Bernie Gleason to provide relief and modernization to Fr. Fitzgerald’s operation. The student information punched cards were loaded into the IBM mainframe and data was stored on magnetic tape and disk for further updating and processing. The success of this conversion allowed the University to discard the EAM equipment, simplify many processes, enable dissemination of student information, and set the stage for new, improved student registration procedures.