An examination of OCLC's EPIC service and standard video reference tools revealed that EPIC was more comprehensive in finding video titles on the popular or specialized topics of bonsai, genealogy, karate, and holography, because of its keyword searching ability on the massive OCLC database. (11 references) (EA)

Discussion of the rapid growth in CD-ROM products highlights "HyperIntro to CD-ROM Technology and Products," an electronic publishing product. Three main components of the system are described: CD-ROM Technology; CD-ROM Products; and CD-ROM Usage, which describes how CD-ROM is being used and evaluated in libraries and information centers…

Reviews several CD-ROM products displayed at the March 1989 International Conference on CD-ROM sponsored by Microsoft. Product capabilities for handling text, audio, images, and full motion video are described, and potential applications for information retrieval are discussed. (CLB)

Evaluates the Library and Information Science Abstracts on optical data disk available through SilverPlatter Information Inc. The criteria discussed include installation instructions; ease of use; retrieval facilities; the results of a test search; the screen display; documentation; characteristics of the database; and cost and updating. (CLB)

Describes three encyclopedias available on CD-ROM: (1) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia; (2) World Book's Information Finder; and (3) Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia. Ideas for how they might be used in the classroom are suggested, information retrieval versus motivation is discussed, learning processes are examined, and stand-alone versus…

Offers criteria for the critical evaluation of CD-ROM encyclopedias. Differences between CD-ROM and print encyclopedias are discussed; search strategies are explained; evaluation criteria are suggested, including help messages, screen format, indexing method, and graphics and print options; future considerations are suggested, including…

Describes a portable CD-ROM machine intended for the mass market that provides access to searchable text, graphics, and audio through a user-friendly interface. Six search modes and other system features are reviewed, and electronic texts for the unit are introduced. A table compares features of the two available models. (NRP)

With more than 38,000 references to journal articles, books, book chapters, and reports on Mexican Americans, the Chicano database offers the most comprehensive access to information on one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. It is a model for other ethnic CD-ROM projects. (SLD)