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)

Reviews requirements for a data archive system and describes storage media alternatives that are currently available. Topics discussed include data storage; data distribution; hierarchical storage architecture, including inline storage, online storage, nearline storage, and offline storage; magnetic disks; optical disks; conventional magnetic…

Discusses the need to back up computer files, and describes the technological evolution of back-up methods. Reviews tape drive and external hard drive back-up products offered by computer companies and presents back-up strategies to use with all back-up methods. A sidebar lists information on the reviewed products. (JMV)

Reports a survey conducted by the Bibliographical Center for Research to determine the extent of variations for entering local data on the part of BCR OCLC libraries. The results are presented along with a discussion of alternative practices and their impact on the processing of OCLC tapes. References are included. (Author/RAA)

Describes the advantages of optical data disk-based storage systems including cost, performance, and space required. Conversion from tape-based to optical disk-based data management via a flexible, hardware-based optical archiving system is discussed. (Author/LRW)

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)

Examines the vocabulary and chemistry of magnetic- and optical-disk storage technologies as well as their applications to the analytical laboratory. This information will allow chemists to select the proper disk systems for their laboratories and to evaluate vendors' claims. (JN)

Reviews terminology inherent in discussing microcomputer storage technologies and addresses aspects of magnetic storage and present and near-future technologies, including floppy disks, Winchester and removable hard disks, optical digital disks, optical video disks, (audio) compact disks, perpendicular magnetic recording, and erasable optical…

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…

Provides an introduction to the technical aspects of digital audiotape and compares it to other computer storage devices such as optical data disks and magnetic tape cartridges in terms of capacity, transfer rate, and cost. The current development of digital audiotape standards is also discussed. (five references) (CLB)

Findings of a project to convert a single LC class from cards to machine readable tapes at a two-year college suggest that an in-house retrospective conversion is feasible for academic libraries. A high conversion hit rate, implying minimal original cataloging, will keep project costs and duration low. There are five references. (RAA)

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)

OCLC-MARC subscription service tapes can be used as a convenient source of statistical data for collection management. New acquisitions can be analyzed using monthly and annual cumulative tapes to obtain numbers of new titles added by subject, types of material, text languages, and intellectual levels. There are three references. (Author/RAA)

This article presents a brief history of the videodisc and describes three major current manifestations of this storage medium--read-only, write-once, erasable. The current status of write-once technology, major corporations involved in the field, potential uses for various types of storage media, and software and market trends are highlighted.…