Provides an introduction to CD-ROM technology, its advantages and disadvantages, and sources of information for locating and evaluating CD-ROMs. Types of CD-ROMs described include reference sources, utility tools for professionals, public access catalogs, directories, public domain and shareware, clip art, curriculum materials, and multimedia…

This newsletter issue reports on the 1992 EUSIDIC annual conference. The conference program is included, and conference presentations from five sessions, entitled "Technology Trends,""Images and Imagination,""New Techniques, New Problems,""Commercial Changes,""New Audiences for Information," and…

The first of a two-part series on the emergence of CD-ROM in the online publishing industry introduces the business and technology aspects of electronic and optical publishing. The development of CD-ROM products and differences between CD-ROM and online in the areas of technology, content, and marketing are discussed. (MES)

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)

Discusses the need for knowledge gateway systems to provide access to scattered information and the use of technologies in gateway building, including artificial intelligence and expert systems, networking, online retrieval systems, optical storage, and natural language processing. The status of four existing gateways is described. (20 references)…

This paper examines the co-existence of online and CD-ROM technologies in terms of their existing pricing structures, marketing strategies, functionality, and future roles. "Fixed Price Unlimited Usage" (FPUU) pricing and flat-rate pricing are discussed as viable alternatives to current pricing practices. In addition, it is argued that the…

A strong commitment to network resources is the best route for depositories to take in providing access to government information. The Government Printing Office needs to assume a leadership role in the advances of technology, phasing out federal CD-ROMs and replacing them with Internet sources via gophers and the World Wide Web. (Author/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…

Reviews recent technological advances and developments relating to input devices, storage devices, output/display devices, and multimedia systems. Actual and possible applications of these technologies in the library, publishing, and information environments are discussed. (24 references) (CLB)

Examines implications of new technology for libraries. Discusses ways libraries interface with new home and business information services and information formats. Highlights include CD-ROMs, the Internet, library networks, technological development, electronic image delivery, costs and funding, and equipment. (AEF)

An overview of the development of CD-ROMs is presented. Aspects covered include changes in coverage, the use of CD-ROMs in libraries and information units, changes in search interfaces and growth in end-user searching, changes in CD-ROM publishers, and hardware and networking developments. (Author)

Discusses differences between the World Wide Web and CD-ROMs, and future trends in usage of both technologies. Highlights include Web competition; a conceptual model of CD-ROMs; the CD-ROM marketplace; the Internet; speed of use; hybrid titles; the publisher; and DVD-ROM (Digital Videodisc). Concludes that the Web has certain advantages over…

Optical disk technologies now offer a way to move large, complex, remote computer databases from the large urban areas to rural users. Recently, the Optical Information Systems (OIS) Conference provided an opportunity to discuss the use of this new technology for a variety of innovative applications; for example, "The State Education…

Reviews key developments in information technologies, and describes the possible convergence of these developments in the creation of a new publishing and communication medium. The impact of this technology on the organization and role of libraries is discussed. (4 references) (CLB)

A review of the research has indicated that compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM) technology is used most often by the home consumer, with educational use next and business use following. To assess how CD-ROM technology is used in the banking industry, bank auditors were surveyed. One hundred business systems and operational auditors in downtown…