Describes a study that examined the effects of end-user CD-ROM MEDLINE on online mediated search requests when there was no fee for an online search. The findings indicate that requests for online searches remained fairly constant, while demand for CD-ROM searches steadily increased. Factors other than cost that affect the popularity of CD-ROM are…

Reports the results of a survey of OCLC member libraries that queried their ownership and use of microcomputers, CD-ROMs, and FAX machines. The findings discussed include general uses of microcomputers, the top 10 CD-ROM products, brands of CD-ROM drives used, patron access to CD-ROM, future purchase plans for CD-ROM products, and ownership of FAX…

Briefly discusses the extent to which commercial publishers in Canada are using CD-ROM technology, and lists commercial and non-commercial CD-ROM products that are currently available or being developed. The description of each product includes the contents of the database, the producer, and the cost. (CLB)

Describes a menu-driven software system for searching CD-ROM databases that also unobtrusively gathers data on CD-ROM usage. The discussion covers the steps involved in creating a log file using DOS, tips for capturing user status, strategies for salvaging incomplete data, and types of CD-ROM usage analysis supported by these data. (three…

Discusses issues relating to recent introductions of CD-ROM technologies in libraries and considerations that have motivated libraries to choose networking CD-ROMs over the standalone approach. Factors discussed include cost effectiveness, the flexibility of the networking approach, and performance considerations. A glossary of terms is provided.…

Discusses methods and content of library instruction for CD-ROM searching in terms of the needs of end-users. Instructional methods explored include staff instruction, structured instruction, database documentation, tutorials and help screens, and floaters. Suggestions for effective instruction in transfer of skills, database content, database…

Describes trends in CD-ROM retrieval software design and discusses the need to evaluate such software in terms of the specific requirements of the purchaser. A checklist of general evaluation criteria for five aspects of access software--hardware/software dependencies, interface features, search and retrieval functions, output functions and…

Places the question of the relatively limited storage capacity of optical data disks when applied to very large databases into practical perspective, and considers some of the possibilities offered by the integration of different databases on a single CD-ROM. The advantages and disadvantages of three production options for integrated databases are…

Describes the criteria used by optical disk (CD-ROM) database publishers to select test sites; the responsibilities of and benefits to test site libraries; and plans for future use of test sites. The experiences of Texas A&M University are discussed and suggestions are offered to libraries wishing to become test sites. (CLB)

Reports the results of a survey of 38 librarians with expertise in training CD-ROM users that examined why and how patrons use CD-ROM, what end-users need to know about searching CD-ROM, and preferred teaching methods. The effects of training CD-ROM users on reference services and staff are also discussed. (CLB)

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…

Provides an introduction to the technical aspects of digital audiotape and compares it to other computer storage devices such as optical data disks and magnetic tape cartridges in terms of capacity, transfer rate, and cost. The current development of digital audiotape standards is also discussed. (five references) (CLB)

Reviews changes in the ERIC database on compact disk that have been made in systems offered by the following vendors: Dialog, SilverPlatter, and OCLC. Highlights include system requirements, costs, search strategies, printing, help screens, tutorials, double posting, available formats, display of search results, and searchable fields. (LRW)

Examines materials about laserdisks in literature published between 1970 and 1989 that addresses library applications. Searches on ERIC, Information Science Abstracts, Library and Information Science Abstracts, and Library Literature are reviewed; core laserdisk journals are discussed; indexing overlap is examined; and other online databases are…

This introduction to the characteristics of software for CD-ROM describes programs used to format and create data stored on the disk, as well as retrieval programs. Criteria that need to be considered when evaluating CD-ROM software are discussed, including retrieval strategies (browsing vs. keyword searching), interfaces, index and file…