Describes the origins of hypertext and reviews the history of the concept of nonsequential access to information that led to hypertext. Technological developments that have been combined with hypertext are discussed, including workstations, video and laser disk technology, and microcomputers; and library applications of hypertext and hypermedia…

A pilot project at the Medical College of Wisconsin illustrates how even small computing organizations with limited financial and staff resources can provide remote access to CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read-Only-Memory) databases, and that providing such convenient access to a vast array of useful information can greatly benefit faculty and students.…

CD-ROM indexes have made students independent library users, but librarians feel that students are not using the technology effectively or critically. Discusses the effect of information technology on library instruction and on librarians' roles. Suggests that library services focus on accessing information instead of controlling it--by creating…

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)

The ERIC system's commitment to reaching diverse user audiences, coupled with the rapid advancement of information technologies, has resulted in a larger-than-ever selection of access points to ERIC. This digest discusses the original and newer means of accessing the ERIC bibliographic database of education-related materials. The access points…

Four papers on information technology were presented at the 1986 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. In the paper "Optical Disc Technology Used for Large-Scale Data Base," Naoto Nakayama (Japan) considers the rapid development of optical technology and the role of applications such as optical discs,…

This manual is designed to supply background information for Kellogg Library and Archive Retrieval System (KLARS) processors and others who might work with the system, outline detailed policies and procedures for processors who prepare and enter data into the adult education database on KLARS, and inform general readers about the system. KLARS is…

This paper focuses on archives and automation, and reviews recent literature on various topics concerning archives and automation. Topics include: resistance to technology and the need to educate about automation; the change in archival theory due to the information age; problems with technology use; the history of organizing archival records…

To increase availability of specialized databases and information services to national institutions, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) developed a CD-ROM prototype and mailed it to 267 sites in 80 countries. A follow-up questionnaire determined individual sites' CD-ROM holdings, other media offerings,…

A strong commitment to network resources is the best route for depositories to take in providing access to government information. The Government Printing Office needs to assume a leadership role in the advances of technology, phasing out federal CD-ROMs and replacing them with Internet sources via gophers and the World Wide Web. (Author/AEF)

Discusses the possible use of computer technology to enable collection development librarians to become active participants in an information network as librarians move from the concept of ownership of resources to access to information, and describes the functions and benefits of the implementation of a microcomputer-based selector's workstation.…

Defines and discusses responsibilities of CD-ROM librarians, including external CD-ROM librarians located in academic computer centers, CD-ROM information technology department librarians, and electronic information librarians. Addresses reasons for the creation of these positions and examines current and future roles of these CD-ROM librarians in…

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…

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,…

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…