This discussion of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) telecommunications system compares it to existing telephone networks and describes international efforts at standardization, proposed services to business and residential customers, technological developments, and cost considerations. The effects of ISDN developments on the role of…

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)

Examines factors which may affect the receptivity of librarians to the use of optical disk technologies, including hardware and software issues, the content of currently available databases, and the integration of optical technologies into existing library services. (CLB)

Discusses the user benefits of write-once optical storage devices; describes typical applications in archival storage, one-off complex instruction sets, and information storage and retrieval systems; and identifies current trends toward standardization of equipment. (CLB)

A series of six articles discusses the technology of optical data disks, current and possible future applications of this technology, their potential impact on information retrieval systems, and the potential problems as they apply to information science. (CLB)

In the future of public library service, provision of books, population growth, professional staff shortages, and censorship problems won't change. Librarians will initiate change in improved services, use of new technology, and expanding financial support, but they will be unable to control change in new information formats and increasing…

This special feature focuses on recent developments in optical disk technology. Nine articles discuss current trends, large scale image processing, data structures for optical disks, the use of computer simulators to create optical disks, videodisk use in training, interactive audio video systems, impacts on federal information policy, and…