The Dartmouth Dante Project database combines computer technology with
more than 600 years of commentary tradition on Dante Alighieri's major
poem, the _Divina Commedia_.  This gives scholars easier access to the
full texts of important critical works, many of which are rare and
difficult to obtain.

The Dante Project has combined the commentaries with a search program,
called BRS/Search(TM).  BRS/Search(TM) allows for very rapid textual
searches.  Consultations of text taking many days to complete in a
library can be performed in minutes using the Dartmouth Dante
Database.

By reducing the time and effort required by preliminary research, the
Dartmouth Dante Database allows scholars to spend more time actively
working out ideas.  In addition, the speed and flexibility of the
searches may enhance scholars' insight into their material.

The Dartmouth Dante Project is an ongoing effort to put the entire text
of over 60 commentaries into a searchable database which anyone can
access via computer.  We currently have 46 of those commentaries.  More
will be added as they become ready for inclusion.  We are also
constantly seeking to improve our searching program, so you may notice
changes in the database from time to time. 

Many of the texts available for searching through the Dante Project are
copyrighted.  Under restrictions of the owners of the texts we cannot
distribute copies of the database itself.

DATABASE FACTS:

The database is normally available every day, all day except Friday
mornings 00:00-03:00 Eastern Time.

The database is available on a nonsubscription basis, as part of the
Dartmouth College Library Online System.  This benefits users in a
number of ways.  There is no waiting for an account and you can also
utilize the online catalog and other database services available
through it.

The latest edition of our user manual is now available for $4.00 from
the address listed at the end of this message.  It is possible,
however, to use the new database without documentation:  there are full
HELP menus for all basic functions.  The following "login" information
will help you get started: the following info is NOT exhaustive, and
assumes that you have used networks or modems before.

I.  CONNECTING TO THE BAKER LIBRARY HOST:

A) INTERNET ACCESS:

In order to logon to the library.dartmouth.edu host via the Internet,
first logon to your personal account on your local Internet host.
Then, use the following commands:

telnet library.dartmouth.edu [return]

or, if this doesn't work, use this computer's IP address instead
(this is the computer's Internet serial number, not an alias, or
"nickname"):

telnet 129.170.16.11 [return]

You will automatically be placed in the online catalog.  (Skip down
to section II. and continue.)

B) TELENET USERS:

The host identification number for the Dartmouth College Library
Online System is 60320g

You will automatically be placed in the online catalog.  (Skip down
to section II. and continue.)

NB: All Telenet connection fees are the responsibility of the
user.  The Dartmouth College network will not accept collect
calls.

C) DIRECT MODEM ACCESS:

Use phone number 603 643 6300

NB: The Dartmouth College network will not accept collect calls.  All
toll charges are the responsibility of the user.

Once you have executed your host connection routine, you should see our
network flag.  It will look something like the following:

   Kiewit Network, Dartmouth College, port 24/16 (type HELP for assistance) 
   @

If you don't see it, press <return> a couple of times: this 
will either get you the flag, or you will be disconnected, 
and you can try again.

Once you see the network flag, type:

c library [return]

Continue with instructions in section II. following.

II. CONNECTING TO THE DARTMOUTH DANTE DATABASE

You will now see the online catalog program start up.  At the prompt, 
type:

connect dante [return]

You will now be connected to the newest version of the database.

Next, you will be prompted to identify your terminal type.  If you are
uncertain, or you run into display problems with your specific terminal
type, try identifying yourself as:

vt100

This is a sort of "industry standard" and should resolve most of
your problems.

III.  USING THE DATABASE:

There are a number of introductory screens.  Press return until your
screen displays the following:

   Enter search or option letter (eg Line search Help, Option list, Quit):
   1_:

You may now begin searching.  Use the Help menus for guidance.

-----------------------------------------------------------
The new user manual is now available.  If you would like one, please
send us your name, address, and a check or money order for $4.00 (to
cover printing and postage).

     Dartmouth Dante Project
     c/o Malcolm Brown
     Kiewit Computation Center
     Dartmouth College
     Hanover, NH 03755-3523

     Phone:(603)646-2643
     Electronic mail to
     dante@dartmouth.edu
.