Describes electronic document delivery systems used by libraries and document image processing systems used for business purposes. Topics discussed include technical specifications; analogue read-only laser videodiscs; compact discs and CD-ROM; WORM; facsimile; ADONIS (Article Delivery over Network Information System); DOCDEL; and systems at the…

Discussion of laser videodiscs for library collections covers selection, finding reviews, suppliers, cost, preservation, and security. Sidebars define laserdisc terms and list several recommended titles. (MES)

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)

Examines the two most frequently cited approaches to making video and audio passages available to teachers in the classroom: videodiscs and digital video interactive. (HB)

Describes Photo CD Portfolio, an Eastman Kodak product that provides interactive multimedia CD-ROM production capability. The article focuses on the capabilities of the tool's simplest authoring system, Create It, which allows users to work with Photo CD, PICT, or TIFF images, add graphics, text and audio, and create menus with branching. (KRN)

This brief guide lists sources to aid an individual in pursuing the study of optical disk technology through a review of the literature in the collections of the Library of Congress. The materials and search aids are listed under 14 headings: (1) Introductions to the Topic; (2) Subject Headings (Library of Congress subject headings under which…

Describes a number of different frames of reference through which educators can look at the opportunity presented by compact-disc interactive (CD-I) technology, and proposes general guidelines to help them begin thinking about a more creative role as prospective authors of CD-I materials. (MES)

Urges schools to adopt laser videodiscs for their cost, durability, and usability advantages over film, a mechanical, outdated medium. Recommends specific videodisc titles for school libraries and classroom use. Describes computer-assisted videodisc instruction applications (including image processing) and dispels some common misconceptions about…

This annual directory includes names, addresses, and telephone numbers of major firms involved in the optical information field. Four major product groupings are represented: (1) interactive video; (2) WORM and erasable optical disks; (3) CD-ROM technologies; and (4) optical memory cards. An overview of the past year's developments in this field…

Discusses the uses of videodisks and laserdisks in the elementary classroom. (MG)

Compares current problems with optical disks to errors made with past technological innovations in libraries. Lack of hardware standardization, software incompatibility, and high prices are discussed. Widespread library commitment not to purchase optical disc systems until both technical standards and price guidelines are established is advocated.…

Three instructional settings for interactive laserdisc are (1) individual, allowing self-pacing and flexible scheduling; (2) group, allowing interaction, simpler scheduling, and cost effectiveness; and (3) cooperative learning, which builds rapport, halves costs of individual training, and enables learning through discussion. (SK)

Lists 19 programs that approximately 1,000 educators find most useful and educationally valuable, plus a few new products. Telephone numbers are included to call for more information. (MLF)

This overview of a digital optical storage medium with a multimedia capability includes a global description of specifications, current status, and elements required to make a CD-I (compact disk interactive) launch possible. (Author/CLB)

Two brief articles report ways that technology is being used in the language classroom: through media such as closed-captioned video, optical disc technology such as CD-ROM, and interactive videodisc systems and through improved instructional strategies such as collaborative learning and computer-assisted instruction. (three references) (LB)