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)

Review of encyclopedias and other databases available on CD-ROM focuses on the International Encyclopedia of Education (IEE). Problems with software and hardware are described, perspectives from the computer industry are presented, the commercial potential of CD-ROMs is discussed, and a list of sources is provided. (six references) (LRW)

Discusses proposals for more standardized practices in CD-ROM development, sales, and distribution. Topics discussed include availability of trial copies; pricing policies; installation, including software, instructions, and compatibility; interface procedures; manuals; and vendor support services. A sidebar discusses proposals being addressed by…

Compares features of user interfaces for CD-ROM public access catalogs by six vendors: (1) Auto-Graphics; (2) Brodart; (3) General Research Corp.; (4) Library Corporation; (5) Library Systems and Services, Inc.; and (5) Marcive. Brief evaluations of the products are included, and detailed descriptions of each are appended. (MES)

Describes the experiences of the University of Southern California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Biomedical Library in testing MEDLINE on CD-ROM. Preparations for testing are discussed, as well as patron response to the system, measured by evaluation forms, and implications for libraries providing new technological tools for patrons. (MES)

Discusses ways in which artificial intelligence could be applied to improve the ease of use, quality of retrieval, and organization of data in online services or CD-ROM. (MES)

Assesses the appropriateness of GUIs (graphical user interfaces), more specifically Windows-based interfaces for CD-ROM. An evaluation model is described that was developed to carry out an expert evaluation of the interfaces of seven CD-ROM products. Results are discussed in light of HCI (human-computer interaction) usability criteria and design…

Describes an image storage system for contract documentation in the Engineering Directorate of Thames Water Utilities (England) which uses optical disc storage and a relational database for indexing and retrieval of nearly 500,000 pages in compressed image format, and provides end user access through 7 workstations. Requirements, feasibility…

Reviews the background, concepts, and role of hypermedia systems and analyzes essential, expected, and desirable features of hypermedia in order to provide a basis for system design and evaluation. Four hypermedium shells and systems are described, and approaches to user interface problems are discussed. (48 references) (MES)

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networks. Highlights include network technology, including local area networks; an example of an installation at the South Bank Polytechnic (United Kingdom) library; interface issues, including standardization; possible future developments; licensing arrangements; and acquiring data in formats other than CD-ROM.…

Discusses the growing importance of the use of Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs) with microcomputers and online services. Highlights include the development of graphics interfacing with microcomputers; CD-ROM databases; an evaluation of HyperCard as a potential interface to electronic mail and online commercial databases; and future possibilities.…

This literature review selectively covers material on end-user searching published between 1971 and 1988. The first section discusses end-user search systems--e.g., multipurpose systems developed for end-users, simplified versions of traditional systems, gateway systems, and CD-ROM versions of databases. This section also discusses the complexity…

This paper describes the Grolier Publishing Company's development of its encyclopedic text database by editing the machine-readable data files from which the Academic American Encyclopedia was printed, and its longer-term objective of creating a multimedia encyclopedia when the technology for a viable delivery system becomes available. Topics…

Compares LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts) on SilverPlatter's CD-ROM with its replacement version, Bowker-Saur's LISA Plus. Features reviewed include entry to the databases; use of Boolean search facilities; indexes and browsing; displaying and printing records; subsidiary functions; on-screen help; and interfaces. (Contains eight…

Describes research and development of the Mercury Electronic Library Project, which was developed at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries to design an advanced retrieval system. Topics discussed include system architecture; security; performance, including automated and manual assessments; enhanced retrieval, including available databases;…