Discusses recordable digital video discs (DVD-R), highlighting technology, comparing DVD-R and recordable compact discs (CD-R); expected life of media; compatibility; recording process; recording time; applications: testing and development, distribution, storage and archival; and future developments. (PEN)

Compares Frame Relay with digital and analog alternatives for connecting sites on a Wide Area Network. Cost considerations, the concepts on which the technology is based, its carrying capacity, the use of CD-ROM and Graphical User Interface (GUI) on Frame Relay, and engineering bandwidth limitations are covered. (KRN)

Consumer demand and advances in technology are generating increases in the availability of brand name compact disc (CD) recorders priced for average consumers. A comparative analysis of CD-recorders is presented based on functions, capabilities, cost, and marketability. Related issues are also discussed, including computer software; technical…

Provides historical background information about multimedia CD-ROM encyclopedias and evaluates 11 recent releases. Discusses access to information, costs, content, technological developments. Rates the text, multimedia, and user interface. A sidebar provides a 10-year chronology of CD-ROM encyclopedias. (AEF)

Describes and compares several exchange/transfer formats used to upload records into software host programs, including unstructured or plain ASCII; fixed field; delimited ASCII; tagged; MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging); and graphic. It is concluded that CD-ROM producers should strengthen the built-in output management of programs and offer…

This paper provides a brief comparative summary of the results of U.S. and European studies on the use of CD-ROM and other optical products in all types of libraries and information centers. In 1987 and 1988, questionnaires were distributed to academic, public, and special libraries in the United States and to libraries in 18 European countries:…

This series of ten articles exploring users' reactions to optical data disk technologies, focuses on comparisons with online retrieval systems. The opinions of users and vendors on cost effectiveness, searchability, equipment requirements and performance, effectiveness, and efficiency are presented and discussed. (CLB)

This study reports and compares patron usage rates from January 1987 to May 1988 for three separate ERIC database systems at the library at Texas Woman's University (TWU): (1) online searches of the ERIC file through the mainframe computers of DIALOG Information Services (DIALOG ERIC), which are offered in the library reference department by…

Remote access to full-text and CD-ROM databases using the Internet has advantages over a CD-ROM local area network. Topics include speed, document delivery, multiple platforms, technical support, licensing, copyright, and access to graphics. Considerations of duplication of information, platform compatibility, print versus digital media, back…

A study compared learning outcomes in an orthodontic biomechanics course when a CD-ROM was used in one group and photographic slides were used in another. Students in both groups performed at similar levels on a written examination and responded similarly to a statement reflecting how they understood the material. However, students felt the…

A review of the literature was undertaken to determine whether purchasing DIALOG in the CD-ROM format or subscribing to the DIALOG online format would be the better solution for middle school students interested in information retrieval. This report begins by stating the problem and defining common computer terms. A review of the related…