Discusses applications of optical technology, especially CD-ROMs, to information management needs. Information retrieval problems are discussed; design questions that concern the format of the data, indexing methods, and retrieval capabilities are presented; the need for updates is considered; access requirements are discussed; and the importance…

Optical disk technologies now offer a way to move large, complex, remote computer databases from the large urban areas to rural users. Recently, the Optical Information Systems (OIS) Conference provided an opportunity to discuss the use of this new technology for a variety of innovative applications; for example, "The State Education…

Describes the development of a Government Information Locator Service as part of the National Information Infrastructure that will identify and describe public information resources throughout the federal government and provide assistance in obtaining the information. Access through the Internet, electronic mail, CD-ROM, and printed materials is…

This document assembles conference papers which focus on how electronic technologies are creating new ways of meeting user needs for spatial and cartographic information. Contents include: (1) "Mapping Technology in Transition" (Mark Monmonier); (2) "Cataloging Planetospatial Data in Digital Form: Old Wine, New Bottles--New Wine,…

Electronic databases have grown tremendously in both number and popularity since their development during the 1960s. Access to electronic databases in academic libraries was originally offered primarily through mediated search services by trained librarians; however, the advent of CD-ROM and end-user interfaces for online databases has shifted the…

Discusses the need for information on ethnic groups in academic library reference departments; describes the use of automated indexes, CD-ROM, and online databases; and gives examples of indexing and usage of terms related to Southeast Asians in four CD-ROM databases: InfoTrac EF (Extended Family), ERIC, PsycLIT, and Business Periodicals Index.…

This curriculum guide was prepared as a tool for teaching students the purpose and function of the ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA database in the total concept of information literacy. The database on compact laser disc contains information about the holdings of hundreds of school, public, academic, and special use libraries. The database can be searched at…

Describes online and CD-ROM databases that contain trademark information and presents guidelines for using these sources to help research and create trademarks. Sidebars present Internet trademark resources, searching tips, additional print and online sources for trademark information, U.S. Federal trademark databases, and online access to…

Discusses softcopy information publishing on CD-ROM and describes how to use it successfully for technical documentation. Four main areas are addressed: (1) characteristics of technical documentation; (2) goals for the information product, including access methods; (3) steps involved in publishing technical documentation on CD-ROM, including…

Reviews issues associated with the distribution of CD-ROMs by the Government Printing Office (GPO) as identified by documents librarians in an E-mail discussion, Govdoc-L. Titles being distributed on CD-ROM are identified, access and cost issues are discussed, software limitations are described, and level of patron service is considered. (three…

Provides advice for systems librarians facing the question of when to provide CD-ROM access and when to provide online access to databases for their patrons. Discusses price, updates, effective resource utilization, and determining users' needs. (AEF)

The Center for Business Information and the Goizueta Business School at Emory University (Georgia) tested desktop videoconferencing as a means to deliver reference services, including consultation, documentation, training, and sharing of CD-ROM databases. Provides a brief overview of the technology, describes project beta testing, and discusses…

Describes a successful experiment at Oregon State University in which user access to an extensive CD-ROM library was improved through the development of a networked environment. Discussed are dial-in and Telnet access for users both on and off campus, future possibilities, and subscription and licensing fees. (three references) (EA)

Built using a distributed architecture, this prototype distributed information retrieval system uses statistical ranking techniques to provide better service to the end user. Distributed architecture was shown to be a feasible alternative to centralized or CD-ROM information retrieval, and user testing of the ranking methodology showed both…

The School District Data Book is an electronic library containing social, economic, and administrative data for each of the 15,274 public school districts in the United States. It contains the most comprehensive demographic database ever developed for the nation's children. The School District Data Book is maintained on a set of 44 CD-ROMs. With a…