Evaluates six CD-ROM products for library users that provide information on companies: (1) CD/Corporate: U.S. Public Companies; (2) Compact D/SEC; (3) Compustat PC Plus Corporate Text; (4) General Business File; (5) Moody's 5000 Plus; and (6) Standard and Poor's Corporations. Information provided includes companies included, online database…

Discusses the factors considered at DIALOG before creating a CD-ROM version of a data file, including increased revenues potential, technical viability, and user expectations. A checklist of questions used to review possible CD-ROM projects is provided. (EA)

Describes the following steps in CD-ROM production: (1) information base creation; (2) data preparation, conversion, and verification; and (3) indexing and premastering. Cost factors for each step and overall trends in CD-ROM production costs are also discussed. (three references) (EA)

Reports results of a survey of depository libraries that gathered information on which CD-ROM databases distributed by the Government Printing Office are received and public access to these databases. Addresses and details of equipment used for public access for the 41 responding libraries are provided, and a list of selected databases is…

Discusses emerging portable CD-ROM technology and suggests guidelines for selecting and configuring a cost-effective system. Factors covered include portability, battery life, performance, durability, and display. Connecting the CD-ROM drive to the computer, producing and updating the CD-ROM database, use of the database, and accommodating…

A dial-access, multiuser, multiaccess CD-ROM search system with end-user capability was developed to provide Eastern Oregon State College distance education students with access to the information required by their studies. Based on UNIX, the system provides students with access to 12 databases, an e-mail system for messaging, interlibrary loan…

Describes the capability of printing availability messages for a library's local journal holdings with CD-ROM MEDLINE databases. Results of a survey conducted at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital medical library suggest that users will tend to use only those sources available locally rather than interlibrary loan. (five references) (LRW)

Describes the development of a local area network (LAN) at Loma Linda University that allows remote access for both IBM and Macintosh microcomputers to CD-ROMs. Topics discussed include types of networks; fiber optic technology; networking CD-ROM drives; remote access; modems; CD-ROM databases; memory management; interface software; and future…

The second part of a report on CD-ROM networking in libraries describes LAN (local area network) technology; networking software and towers; gateway software for connecting to campuswide networks; Macintosh LANs; and network licenses. Several product and software reviews are included, and a sidebar lists vendor addresses. (NRP)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine which databases provide access to the CD-ROM journal literature that meets the information needs of librarians and information center managers. Search strategies are explained, journals are ranked by frequency of citation, databases are evaluated for their usefulness, and further investigations are…

Describes contents and format of effective quick reference guides for users of CD-ROM databases. The different needs of beginning and more sophisticated users are detailed; guidelines for organizing information and laying out the text are provided; and two formats for user aids are pictured. (KRN)

The first of two articles on multiuser access to CD-ROM databases examines options that do not involve a local area network (LAN). Hardware and software requirements, advantages, and disadvantages for several alternatives are described. A product and company directory is included. (MES)

Discusses CD-ROM searching at the University of Charleston; reports the results of a user survey that was conducted to evaluate use of the CD-ROM databases; and describes the design and development of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program that explains the basics of searching, retrieving, and printing records using SilverPlatter. (LRW)

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)

Provides an overview of CD-ROM and describes features of CD-Recordable (CD-R) technology, including disc capacity, data transfer rate, mastering, and multiple-write session. CD-R applications, application development costs, and staffing requirements are considered. (EA)