If the CD-ROM revolution is likened to gambling, players are information providers and consumers; the stakes are development, production, distribution, hardware, and software costs; and betting is represented by the costs of updating disks and hardware and software maintenance, and by pricing. Strategy should take into account cost savings,…

Provides a technological overview of CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), an optically-based medium for data storage offering large storage capacity, computer-based delivery system, read-only medium, and economic mass production. CD-ROM database attributes appropriate for information delivery are also reviewed, including large database size,…

Discussion of the application of CD-ROM technology for online public access catalogs (OPACs) covers: (1) the production process; (2) costs; (3) advantages and disadvantages of using CD-ROM; (4) current CD-ROM applications; and (5) future developments. (5 references) (MES)

Examines issues surrounding CD-ROM as an organizational information management tool: (1) the CD-ROM market; (2) pitfalls, including compatibility, effect on existing information systems, fear of obsolescence, protection of sensitive information, and lack of successful role models; and (3) factors that will fuel growth, including greater…

Describes optical data disk products currently on the market and discusses publishers to users' needs. Ways in which librarians can influence product development and design are suggested. (CLB)

Discussion of the widespread use of CD-ROM technology in African countries lists reasons why CD-ROM is well suited to developing countries, including advantages for database distributors, users, and funding agencies; describes a 1990 Africa-wide CD-ROM conference; and addresses goals for a proposed clearinghouse and remaining problems with CD-ROM…

Compares two approaches to document delivery and storage--microform and CD-ROM--in terms of storage capacity, accessibility, production, and cost considerations. Strengths and weaknesses of each medium are noted. It is concluded that libraries should select, integrate, and explore the different features of both technologies. (12 references) (MES)

Discussion of electronic resources in the humanities highlights the history and development of the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, an electronic data bank of ancient Greek literature from the classical and postclassical periods. Data entry is discussed, hardware is described, and implications for the humanities and other disciplines are suggested. (LRW)

The integration of optical disk systems employing WORM (Write Once Read Many) technology with CD-ROM systems can enhance information management. Two integrated system applications are the Paperless Ship Project of the U.S. Navy and the FEDLOG (Federal Logistics Data on CD-ROM) of the Defense Logistics Agency. These initiatives are described and…

Suggests a process for evaluating and planning integrated optical jukebox storage systems. Considerations regarding architecture and system performance are summarized, and a modeling program for tailoring system response to specific applications is presented. Five robotics algorithms are examined to illustrate different hardware configurations.…

Provides an introduction to CD-ROM technology, its advantages and disadvantages, and sources of information for locating and evaluating CD-ROMs. Types of CD-ROMs described include reference sources, utility tools for professionals, public access catalogs, directories, public domain and shareware, clip art, curriculum materials, and multimedia…

The first of a two-part series on the emergence of CD-ROM in the online publishing industry introduces the business and technology aspects of electronic and optical publishing. The development of CD-ROM products and differences between CD-ROM and online in the areas of technology, content, and marketing are discussed. (MES)

Summarizes the issues relating to the impact of CD-ROM technology that were discussed at a conference of producers and publishers of databases and other information services. Topics discussed include production issues, copyrights, case studies of product development and marketing, and the relationship between primary and secondary information…

Surveys some of the traditional and nontraditional electronic sources of information that can be of use in research and teaching. The discussion includes information about: 1) cost; 2) ease of use; 3) the earliest bibliographic entries; and 4) the frequency of updates. (Author/LMO)

Discussion of the information age and optical publishing focuses on the newly formed Optical Publishing Association (OPA) and its goals and objectives. The role of CD-ROMs is examined, and the value of information both to the industry and to the consumer is discussed. (LRW)