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…

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…

Discusses a pilot project by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to apply optical disk technology to the storage and retrieval of documents related to its high level waste management program. Components and features of the microcomputer-based system which provides full-text and image access to documents are described. A sample search is included.…

Describes developments in information technology during 1988, including new telecommunications and networking services, advances in optical disk technologies, the increased use of facsimile transmissions, and new microcomputer hardware and software products. Litigation within the computer industry is reviewed, and the implications for needed…

This current overview of optical disk technology describes the evolving marketplace for optical products, the use of libraries as test sites for prototype CD-ROM (compact disk read-only-memory) products, CD-ROM developments, new optical technologies, and advances in magnetics. A list of some compact disk manufacturers and a glossary of terms are…

Describes the Eastman Kodak Company's microfilm and optical disk technologies and their applications. Topics discussed include WORM technology; retrieval needs and cost effective archival storage needs; engineering applications; jukeboxes; optical storage options; systems for use with mainframes and microcomputers; and possible future…

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)

Examines issues surrounding CD-ROM as an organizational information management tool: (1) the CD-ROM market; (2) pitfalls, including compatibility, effect on existing information systems, fear of obsolescence, protection of sensitive information, and lack of successful role models; and (3) factors that will fuel growth, including greater…

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…

Discussion of electronic resources in the humanities highlights the history and development of the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, an electronic data bank of ancient Greek literature from the classical and postclassical periods. Data entry is discussed, hardware is described, and implications for the humanities and other disciplines are suggested. (LRW)

Predictions for the future of optical disk technology are based on three phases of development: feasibility testing; use as a replacement technology for older technologies; and the introduction of new applications not possible in older technologies. (Author/CLB)

Addresses misconceptions concerning CD-ROM technology. Topics discussed include changes in CD-ROMs and possible obsolescence; high-speed wide area networks, frequency of updates, and pricing; CD-ROM databases in academic libraries; local area networks; interfaces between CD-ROM drives and computers; CD-ROM speed; uses of CD-ROM; and write-once CD…

Discusses the use of remote communications software (RCS) with microcomputers as an inexpensive way to deliver information technologies such as CD-ROM databases to users at remote locations. Typical library applications at the University of Pennsylvania are described, potential disadvantages are presented, and an appendix lists vendors of RCS.…

Noting that the merging of various types of media with the computer has presented the field of education with a hybrid technology called interactive multimedia (also referred to as hypermedia), this digest begins by defining this technology as "the integration of text, audio, graphics, still image, and moving pictures into a single,…

Bibliographers and librarians are aware of the new information technologies in information storage and retrieval. CD-ROMs and online database systems are two technologies used daily to assist users in accessing needed information. Although these resources are lacking in the fields of journalism and mass communication, possibilities for…