"We all are very familiar with it and it's a good system...it's very speedy," said Joe Bourneuf, head reference librarian for Widener Library.

According to a 1998 DRA press release, the firm anticipated the contract with Harvard would be worth more than $1 million.

The original HOLLIS, which was in development since the 1960s, has been in use since 1985.

But it is not in danger of Y2K difficulties, according to Robinson. Most of the date problems have been worked out by now.

"There's no reason to think it is going to break or stop working...we don't have any concerns that it won't be able to survive," Robinson said.

Verba said in the University Library announcement that "a prudent 'watchful waiting' is our most viable--indeed, our only--alternative."