Ryerson Alumni - Winter 2018 - 48

REMEMBER WHEN?

Keeping
Ryerson
wired
University's first computer
signalled the campus
innovation to come

IT'S DIFFICULT to imagine a
world without smartphones or
even personal computers. Ryerson's
use of computing technology began in
the 1960s when it acquired a general
purpose computer, an IBM Model 36030, affectionately nicknamed "DAISY"
(Direct Access Information System).
DAISY was not without its quirks
- confusing library punch cards and
harassing students with overdue notices
on books that already had been returned.
Its duties came to an end in 1974 when
the joint York-Ryerson Computing Centre
opened, the first co-operative computing
centre in Canada with the objective of
sharing expertise and reducing costs.
In 1983, IBM donated $3.7 million
worth of computer hardware and software
to Ryerson. The equipment - an IBM

3033 processor, 300 terminals, five
personal computers and advanced
software - created an online interactive
system and established the Ryerson
Computing Centre.
In recent years, Ryerson has
advanced its digital footprint with the
creation of the Library's Isaac Olowolafe
Jr. Digital Media Experience (DME)
Lab, a space in the Student Learning
Centre for students to experiment
with emerging accessible technologies.
Also, Ryerson's zone network - 10 zones
across campus fostering innovation
in fields from clean energy and
biomedical sciences to fashion - is
preparing students for the 21st-century
workplace by providing opportunities
to work on real projects and startups.
-edited by Antoinette Mercurio

This article was based on a Library blog posting researched and written by Julienne Pascoe, former Archives & Special Collections staff.
See ryerson.ca/wired-digital-history.

Ryerson University Magazine / Winter 2018

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE RYERSON UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

A classroom in the secretarial
science program, 1962.

http://www.ryerson.ca/wired-digital-history

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