Welcome to the TCI Library INBOX

The Inbox was created to provide a temporary home for files being discussed on the TCI Listserv that have not been added to the Library's database.

The Inbox provides instant access to all with unlimited download capability, and is a free and freely available alternative to limited file sharing services such as TransferBigFiles.

How the Inbox Works

Filling the INBOX

Volunteers monitor Listserv posts for files shared using services that have limits on the number of downloads or expire at a set time.
If files are downloaded within the limit, they are uploads it to the Inbox, making them available to others for unlimited downloads.
Therefore, there is no reason for anyone to scramble to be one of the first 20.

Emptying the INBOX
Usually, soon after the original version is in the Inbox, depending on his available time, a volunteer will put a smaller more optimized text searchable OCRed version of large files here or in the main Library, with the letters “ocr” appended to the filename. So it might be worthwhile in many cases for people to wait for the OCRed versions.
As their time permits, an administrator moves the contents of the Inbox to permanent locations in the library itself, adding more detailed titles and descriptions and searchable through the Search system.
Files moved to the Library are deleted from the Inbox.

[Note that most files contributed to the TCI Library are not posted to the Inbox first, but are entered directly to the Library.]

Steve C. posts scans directly to the Steve-C INBOX. Files moved to the Library are deleted from the Steve-C INBOX.

Please send any questions or comments: use "Contact Us" in the Library's Menu Bar.

rev 5

New User?

Read the articles under "Introduction" in the black menu bar above.

Recent Contributors

Thanks for new documents from Ed Palazzo, Bruce Patterson, Jon Kolger, Paul Ivester, Len Hicken, Paul Fassbender, Fred Haynes, Kurt Rudolph, Wade ("Kellogg KITT"), the Connections Museum, Rick Walsh, Jeff Lamb, Jeremy Walters, Mark Cuccia, Alan David, Harry Joseph, Charlie Terry, Karl Brose, Dennis Hock, Tim Griffin, Remco Enthoven, and Steve Cichorsky.

Please send a file to add your name to this list!

30 Latest Additions

Who's online

Hints for using the TCI Library

"Menu Bar" for site navigation.

Many menu choices are hidden until you mouse over words in the black Menu Bar (above). If you want help getting started, see the links under the word "Introduction" in the Menu Bar.

The user interface is oriented toward the user’s choice to either Browse or Search for information. The Browse the Library menu entry offers many quick links to move around the Library quickly. Try it!

Three search options.

The Library’s keyword-based searches, called Basic Search and Advanced Search, accept keywords as short as 2 characters (WE, AE, etc.) and search strings up to 255 characters. If you get more than 1,000 items, refine your search or try the Google Search option.

When selected from the Menu Bar, Google only searches for files in the TCI Library.

Library INBOX.

The INBOX may hold some files that have been submitted but not fully processed into the Library. These are often topics of current discussion on the TCI Email Group. Items in the INBOX are not found using Basic or advanced searches, but ARE found by a Google Search.

Remember to check the INBOX if you don't find something with the other searches.

Finding BSPs.

Many BSPs are currently only identified by BSP number. If a text search doesn’t produce a BSP, try looking in one of the many BSP index documents to find a BSP number for the product you are researching just as you would do if referencing a paper library of the BSPs. Then enter the BSP number in the search box.

Finding CDs and SDs.

Some related CDs and SDs are filed in different areas. Try searching for just the numeric portion of the name. Remember to check the INBOX if you don't find something with the Basic or Advanced searches -- or use the Google search.

Compact Category Listing.
When browsing, to change the category listing view from normal to compact, click on Browse the Library in the black menu bar.

To change from compact to normal view, click on Document Repository in the drop down under Browse the Library.

Telephone Collectors International was incorporated under the laws of the state of Kansas on May 13, 1986. The goal of the organization is "to educate the public, as well as the members of the Corporation, regarding the history of telephony, the value of old telephones and related items, their collectability and preservation; to research telephone history and publish and provide literature thereon; to promote the public exhibition of old telephones and related items; and to promote common courtesies and guidelines for use by the public." Telephone Collectors International is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization, to which U.S. tax deductible contributions can be made.