The Evolution of Research Before the Internet: Libraries and Early Telematics

Rice cards, endless rows of books, and bronzed card catalogs, libraries have long been the keystone of information in pre-internet societies. Yet, recent evolutions have shifted attention to the pioneering technology of telematics, particularly the Minitel, which predated the World Wide Web. This article delves into how researchers conducted their studies in the pre-internet era, and the significance of the Minitel in shaping the future of online communications.

How Libraries Crossed the Atlantic

Libraries have been a cornerstone of human knowledge and research. Before the advent of the internet, libraries played a crucial role in academic and personal research. In the past, libraries were indexed with card catalogs where individuals could find the books they needed. Large metropolitan and university libraries contained books on every conceivable subject in various languages. Finding a specific book or piece of information required manual searching and an extensive physical effort. This process was time-consuming and laborious but provided a profound and rich understanding of a topic. Researchers would note down the location of books, physically fetch them, and conduct detailed research. This method undoubtedly offered an in-depth understanding that modern search engines cannot.

The Dawn of Telematics: The Minitel Era

While libraries played a vital role, there was also a burgeoning technology known as telematics, which revolutionized the way people conducted research. The Minitel, in particular, was a pioneering telematics technology developed in France. Early telematics systems were being developed in various countries, including Japan, Soviet Union, Britain, Canada, and West Germany. However, the Minitel, launched in France in 1982, was a significant innovation. It was a network of terminals that could access a variety of services, including phone sex, dating, shopping, and even governmental services like paying taxes and accessing scientific works.

Blade Runner: A Visual Precursor to the Minitel

The Minitel can be seen as a precursor to the internet, with its futuristic interface resembling the fictional world depicted in the 1982 film, Blade Runner. The technology was popular in France, with estimates indicating that by the early 1990s, it was installed in nine million French homes. Services available included train schedules, local news, and informational databases. Despite its popularity, the Minitel is often remembered with a mix of nostalgia and admiration. The boxy device's easy-to-use payment system and its role in the development of the internet are celebrated.

The Battle Between Centralized Networks and Decentralized Internet

The advent of the internet marked a significant shift in the way information was accessed and exchanged. The decentralized nature of the internet, in contrast to the centralized networks of the past, allowed for unprecedented accessibility and freedom. This evolution was not an automatic victory of the internet, however; it was a result of persistent efforts to break down the control of information by telecommunications corporations. The internet was able to develop independently, leading to a more open and democratic information system.

In conclusion, the pre-internet era was marked by two significant forms of research and information exchange: libraries and telematics. Both played a crucial role in shaping the way we understand and access information today. The Minitel, a pioneering technology of its time, contributed to the development of modern online communication, paving the way for the internet as we know it today. While libraries remain an essential resource, their role has evolved to complement the vast and interconnected digital realm that has become the cornerstone of modern research.

Keywords: libraries, telematics, Minitel, internet history