Explains format of data on magnetic tape and process of reading and writing data to tape, and discusses sources of tape errors (physically damaged tape, unclean tape, magnetic alteration of data on tape, unclean or defective tape drive); correcting and/or bypassing tape errors; and care, storage, and shipment of tapes. (EJS)

Provides a technological overview of CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), an optically-based medium for data storage offering large storage capacity, computer-based delivery system, read-only medium, and economic mass production. CD-ROM database attributes appropriate for information delivery are also reviewed, including large database size,…

Discusses downloading of data from databases using microcomputers and mass storage technologies as it relates to copyright laws and legal implications. Topics covered include a definition of copyright; original works; collective works and compilations; fair use; downloading by libraries; court bases; and resolution of uncertainty surrounding…

Discusses software developed to organize and retrieve electronically stored data, examining structure of the databases in which information is stored and the physical structure of the storage medium. Hierarchical and relational databases, unordered files, B-trees, and storage/software for specific purposes (such as weather, stock market, and…

Part 1 presents the chemistry, physics, and engineering technology associated with magnetic and optical disks. This part explores the subjects of archiving, security, validation and certification, and protection. Questions and issues are raised in each of the areas that both users and vendors should be aware. (JN)

Examines trends in the mass storage of information using optical disks, focusing on applications and various types of systems. Includes a list of optical disk drive products with manufacturer, product, capacity, and access time. (JN)

Reviews computer storage devices designed to provide additional memory for microcomputers--chips, floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks--and describes how secondary storage is used (file transfer, formatting, ingredients of incompatibility); disk/controller/software triplet; magnetic tape backup; storage volatility; disk emulator; and…

Presents examples of bibliographic, full-text, and numeric databases. Also discusses how to access these databases online, aids to online retrieval, and several issues and trends (including copyright and downloading, transborder data flow, use of optical disc/videodisc technology, and changing roles in database generation and processing). (JN)

Provides basic information on videodisks and potential applications, including inexpensive online storage, random access graphics to complement online information systems, hybrid network architectures, office automation systems, and archival storage. (JN)

The Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) used to create Web pages is an attractive alternative to the proprietary authoring software currently used to produce multimedia content for CD-ROMs. Discusses advantages and limitations of HTML as a nonproprietary and cross-platform CD-ROM authoring system, and the more general advantages of HTML as a data…