A recently opened Dutch maritime museum makes information on its exhibits and reserve collections available to visitors via a computerized information system, which uses library computer software and videodisks to provide both textual and pictorial information on objects. Bibliographic information is also available on the museum library's…

Reprints of 20 articles pertaining to the topics of end-users and public access appear in this volume, which is one in a series of volumes of reprints from "ONLINE" and "DATABASE" magazines. Edited for information professionals who use electronically distributed databases, these articles address such topics as: (1) managing a…

ORI, Inc., and SilverPlatter, Inc., have joined together in a joint venture to offer the ERIC database to the public on compact laser disc (CD-ROM). Data from both "Resources in Education" (RIE) and "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE) will be offered on a single disc from January 1983 to the present (with the disc…

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)

Describes the design and implementation of the Reference Expert, a database based on INMAGIC software which contains problem reference questions and answers for use by library reference desk staff. Topics discussed include staff response to the database and problems encountered in its development. A sidebar describes the use of WORM…

Seven experts in system planning offer their views on how optical disk systems will affect library participation in online networks, and discuss opportunities presented by these new products. (CLB)

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,…

Examines the relationships between purchases of optical data disk products, publishers, and software suppliers. The discussion covers current pricing strategies for optical data disk software and information products, and possible future developments in marketing and pricing. (CLB)

Discusses the need for comprehensive and accurate sources of information for librarians looking for information about online databases or CD-ROMs and compares, examines, and makes recommendations regarding three print and electronic directories--the "Gale Directory of Databases," Bowker's "World Databases," and Waterlow New…

This digest answers the following questions that beginning or novice users may have about CD-ROM (a compact disk with read-only memory) database services: (1) What is CD-ROM? (2) What databases are available? (3) Is CD-ROM difficult to use? (4) How much does CD-ROM cost? and (5) What is the future of CD-ROM? (15 references) (MES)

This digest describes the traditional, new, and emerging points of access to the ERIC system: (1) traditional print access; (2) online access through commercial vendors; (3) CD-ROM; and (4) ERIC Digests Online. Also described are services offered by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources (ERIC/IR) that provide access to the system--ERIC…

Examines optical data disk online databases as an alternative to dial access online databases and concludes that optical data disk systems are overpriced, undersized, technologically dull, and often deceptively packaged. Eight responses to the article by selected readers are provided. (CLB)

A survey of 20 British electronic information vendors found that 95% considered marketing important and suggested that it is likely to become more intensive and aggressive as competition increases in the information industry. Analyzed advertisements from professional journals and direct mail literature for readability, structure, and information…

Study of the newspapers in the United States that are available online and the populations of the cities where they are published shows that the 24 largest cities are well represented in online newspaper files and that 4 vendors provide access to varying numbers of these newspapers. Availability of newspapers on CD-ROM is also reviewed. (LAE)

Discusses conversion projects that move information from one format to another. Planning considerations are discussed; types of conversion processes are described, including conversion between computers using software, cables, or networks; special conversions are examined, including CD-ROMs and online databases; and companies that specialize in…