Presents a "family tree" of optical technologies with a list of definitions, and briefly discusses some of the issues relating to optical technologies and their use in libraries. (CLB)

Although automating the library card catalog is a significant technological improvement, other approaches can also make accessing information easier for students. Currently there are more than 100 CD-ROM (compact disk) databases that replace traditional paper products such as encyclopedias, almanacs, and newspaper and magazine indexes. Logistical…

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…

Describes the collection of the Local History Department of the Central Library in Aberdeen (which includes 2,300 volumes of locally produced newspapers and 101,000 sheets of press cuttings) and the use of an optical disk system to help solve the problems of storage and access to these materials. (CLB)

This discussion of information technology and its impact on library operations and services emphasizes the development of microcomputer and laser optical disc technologies. Libraries' earlier responses to bibliographic utilities, online databases, and online public access catalogs are described, and future directions for library services are…

This annotated bibliography contains citations for over 70 recently published journal articles, reports, and monographs on the subject of optical disks. Items are arranged alphabetically by author with annotations plus additional notes where appropriate. (CLB)

Explains the benefits of computer workstations in schools and describes various components, including projection tools such as LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors, printers, Internet connections, tape drives, digitizers, scanners, laserdisc players, and CD-i (interactive) players. (LRW)

Describes jukeboxes that are currently available for use by libraries to control the security and safety of CD-ROMs. Nine manufacturers are listed, and the alternative of installing an array in which each CD-ROM is in its own drive is explained. (LRW)

Examines three topics related to electronic publishing and distribution: the national context, including NREN (National Education and Research Network); issues of market readiness, funding, delivery standards, access software, intellectual property concerns, and pricing and licensing models that must be resolved; and descriptions of seven services…

This issue is devoted to examining current and possible future trends in library technical services. Highlights include professional and nonprofessional staffing; library automation; bibliographic utilities; cataloging; shared online catalogs; Serials of Illinois Libraries Online (SILO), a union list program; long-range planning; and optical…

Reviews five CD-ROM catalogs: (1) Auto-Graphics Impact; (2) Brodart LePac; (3) GRC LaserGuide; (4) Library Corporation Intelligent Catalog; and (5) MARCIVE Pac. General guidelines for selecting a CD-ROM catalog are discussed, and vendor addresses and telephone numbers are listed. (MES)

Discussion of the application of CD-ROM technology for online public access catalogs (OPACs) covers: (1) the production process; (2) costs; (3) advantages and disadvantages of using CD-ROM; (4) current CD-ROM applications; and (5) future developments. (5 references) (MES)

Describes the planning and implementation of a library automation system which encompasses four campus locations of a community college, and includes automation of technical processes and full access to holdings and circulation records of all the libraries involved. Software and hardware considerations are discussed, and guidelines to automation…

Compares pricing of seven CD-ROM-based public access catalog systems for libraries of diverse sizes and groupings. Other features of the systems are outlined in the broad areas of database preparation, indexing, database updates, hardware, information retrieval, library controlled elements, interlibrary loan, reports, user support, future…

BiblioFile Intelligent Catalog is a CD-ROM-based public access catalog system which incorporates graphics and sound to provide a multisensory interface and artificial intelligence techniques to increase search precision. The system can be updated frequently and inexpensively by linking hard disk drives to CD-ROM optical drives. (MES)