To help the librarian in negotiating with vendors of automated library services, nine authors have presented methods of dealing with a specific service or situation. Paper topics include computer services, network contracts, innovative service, data processing, automated circulation, a turn-key system, data base sharing, online data base services,…

This document describes the development of the PLATO system, and six figures illustrate the chronological development of PLATO terminals, lesson programing languages, instructional material, and system usage. A list of financial supporters of PLATO and the Computer-based Educational Research Laboratory is followed by a chronological listing of…

Introduction to use of compact disk technology for storing digital data highlights history, background, and developments; technical features; standardization issues; current CD ROM applications; and the market for CD products. A production diagram, a sampling of CD manufacturers and disk replicators, and performance comparison of three storage…

Review of similarities and differences between magnetic-based and optical disk drives includes a discussion of the electronics necessary for their operation; describes benefits, possible applications, and future trends in development of laser-based drives; and lists manufacturers of laser optical disk drives. (MBR)

Examines Photo CD as a possible standard storage medium. Functionality within the system is explored, including future-proofing implications and application hints for practitioners; two case studies illustrate typical applications, one at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) and one at a commercial image archive laboratory. (Author/LRW)

All over the country, college faculty and administrators are plugging themselves into one of the newest--and hottest--technologies in an effort to better connect with students: podcasting. National studies show that more than 80 percent of college students own at least one device that can download and play recordings, and proponents of podcasting…

Even though the increasing amount of multimedia material available for technology-assisted classrooms can make presentations more attractive and aesthetically pleasing, instructors and administrators should be aware of the increased demand on technology resources that the new graphics and animation programs create. Use of these materials…

Describes three stages of the automation of information processing systems by combining the concept of the exponential growth of operational capabilities with three characteristics: computational capability, ability to store data, and ability to communicate data. The growth of fiberoptic technology is described as beginning the third stage. (EM)

Survey of recent developments in microcomputer technology, mass-storage technology, and telecommunications technology shows how these new technologies are driving the development of a new generation of information systems. Major changes in the information industry precipitated by arrival of new information systems and telecommunication…

Reviews new educational materials designed for microcomputer use: compact disk encyclopedia derived from "Grolier's Academic American Encyclopedia"; "PC Word Power," vocabulary enhancement game; "Public Domain Software on File," 250 programs for Apple II microcomputer users; "RightWriter," program designed to teach effective writing; "Kansas…

Describes and evaluates the features, performance, peripheral devices, available software, and capabilities of the Apple III microcomputer. The computer's operating system, its hardware, and the commercially produced software it accepts are discussed. Specific applications programs for financial planning, accounting, and word processing are…

Possible applications of the micro- or personal computer useful to the physical educator are suggested under four major categories: (1) data processing; (2) data storage; (3) control of peripheral devices; and (4) computer-assisted instruction. (JN)

Reveals how chemical information in the form of descriptions of the chemical literature and chemical substances can be encoded as digital representations, then manipulated by computers to assist with collection, formatting, and distribution. Explains how computer-based search techniques are used to search databases that supplement traditional…

Discusses software that is used to drive and access optical disk jukeboxes, which are used for data storage. Categories of the software are described, user categories are explained, the design of implementation approaches is discussed, and representative software products are reviewed. (eight references) (LRW)

Discussion of accessing visual resources focuses on possibilities for subject access. Projects in North America and Europe that represent current trends in accessing visual resources are described; computer-aided retrieval strategies are reviewed, including key words, comprehensive descriptors, and optical scanning; and user needs are considered.…