Reviews requirements for a data archive system and describes storage media alternatives that are currently available. Topics discussed include data storage; data distribution; hierarchical storage architecture, including inline storage, online storage, nearline storage, and offline storage; magnetic disks; optical disks; conventional magnetic…

A recently opened Dutch maritime museum makes information on its exhibits and reserve collections available to visitors via a computerized information system, which uses library computer software and videodisks to provide both textual and pictorial information on objects. Bibliographic information is also available on the museum library's…

Reprints of 20 articles pertaining to the topics of end-users and public access appear in this volume, which is one in a series of volumes of reprints from "ONLINE" and "DATABASE" magazines. Edited for information professionals who use electronically distributed databases, these articles address such topics as: (1) managing a…

A pilot project at the Medical College of Wisconsin illustrates how even small computing organizations with limited financial and staff resources can provide remote access to CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read-Only-Memory) databases, and that providing such convenient access to a vast array of useful information can greatly benefit faculty and students.…

Describes the use of microcomputers and hypermedia with videodisks and laser discs to teach art in three Central New York schools. These projects enabled students to access museum-based disks; created barcodes for accessing disk images; provided inservice teacher education in hypermedia use; and resulted in an instantly searchable database of…

Examines the current development of computer compact disk storage devices (CD-ROM). Describes the basics of how the CD-ROM operates and identifies educational uses. Lists companies currently providing CD-ROM software and producing CD-ROM players. (MVL)

This current overview of optical disk technology describes the evolving marketplace for optical products, the use of libraries as test sites for prototype CD-ROM (compact disk read-only-memory) products, CD-ROM developments, new optical technologies, and advances in magnetics. A list of some compact disk manufacturers and a glossary of terms are…

Examines factors which may affect the receptivity of librarians to the use of optical disk technologies, including hardware and software issues, the content of currently available databases, and the integration of optical technologies into existing library services. (CLB)

Describes the design and implementation of the Reference Expert, a database based on INMAGIC software which contains problem reference questions and answers for use by library reference desk staff. Topics discussed include staff response to the database and problems encountered in its development. A sidebar describes the use of WORM…

Recognizing that the fast-developing optical storage technologies provide a new dimension in publishing and information storage, retrieval, and distribution, this report examines the technical characteristics and capabilities of video and optical systems and the implications of this technology. The following aspects of optical disk systems are…

The components and features of ERIC on CD-ROM are discussed. Search techniques and the value of this resource are described. Different systems available are noted. (CW)

Discussion of multimedia databases in education focuses on the development of an adaptable database in The Netherlands that uses optical storage media to hold the audiovisual components. Highlights include types of applications; types of users; accessibility; adaptation; an object-oriented approach; levels of the database architecture; and…

The objectives of this project were to assist the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in developing a policy for the representation, transfer, access, and preservation of electronic records of permanent value. A lack of attention to the management, retention, and selective preservation of these machine-readable records will result…

Describes the architecture of the prototype of an image management system that has been used to develop an application concerning images of frescoes in the Sistina Chapel in the Vatican. Hardware and software design are described, the use of local area networks (LANs) is discussed, and data organization is explained. (15 references) (LRW)

Discusses current optical data disk databases, their uses, and factors that will affect database copyrights. The factors discussed include hardware and software developments, multimedia applications, multiuser capabilities, and downloading capacities. (7 references) (CLB)