Directories by computer

Press, 15 August 1978, Page 23

Directories by computer

Telephone directories will probably be printed annually by computer from the beginning of next year. At present they are printed manually, and do not come out regularly. The time between printing and the closing of listing applications will be reduced from seven months to about four. A Post Office spokesman made this point in reply to a correspondent to "The Press,” who wrote: “Although listing applications closed December 13. 1977 the expected date of circulation to subscribers will be around March 1979 — 15 months later. “The circumstances of thousands of domestic and commercial subscribers have changed during this long period. Incorrect or missing listings are inconvenient and costly.” The spokesman said that the main listings for the new book closed on December 13, but the additions and alterations addendum did not close until May 8. A delay in completing

the new Burwood exchange had put back delivery time about four months. The directory contained the Burwood exchange numbers, and could not be used until the exchange opened.

He said the Post Office had been very much aware of the inconvenience caused to businessmen. and had taken “short cuts” where v it could. However, the increasing numbers of subscribers had cancelled these out. Checking and doublechecking accuracy of entries, production, binding and delivery took months said the Post Office spokesman.