Discusses the technological changes that will necessitate the prospective conversion of library data over the next decade and addresses the problems of converting data from obsolete personal computers to newer models that feature radically different operating systems. Three case studies are used to illustrate possible scenarios. (11 references)…

Compares two full featured database management systems for bibliographic information in terms of programs and documentation; record creation and editing; online database citations; search procedures; access to references in external text files; sorting and printing functions; style sheets; indexes; and file operations. (four references) (CLB)

Unlike conventional information retrieval systems, natural language processing (NLP) systems translate queries automatically into the language of the system. This paper discusses the potential impact of NLP on both the indexing and retrieval of text and examines some current NLP projects and systems that have established knowledge bases in narrow…

Evaluates different types of storage media for long-term archival storage of large amounts of data. Existing storage media are reviewed, including optical disks, optical tape, magnetic storage, and microfilm; three models are proposed based on document storage requirements; performance analysis is considered; and cost effectiveness is discussed.…

Discusses the national program for preservation microfilming in research libraries and suggests that microfilm is not the appropriate medium to be used. Recommendations for the electronic storage of materials on computerized databases are made; disadvantages of microfilm are described; interlibrary loan problems are discussed; and effects on…

Introduces the multicharacter trie as an index structure that can improve the time needed for retrieving full-text materials stored on CD-ROMs. The advantages of this structure compared to other structures are described, and experimental results comparing it to the widely used B+ tree and other structures used for full-text retrieval are…

Potential problems for college and university computing functions posed by arrival of the year 2000 (Y2K) are discussed, including arithmetic calculations and sorting functions based on two-digit year dates, embedding of two-digit dates in archival data, system coordination for data exchange, unique number generation, and leap year calculations. A…

Discusses the digital-image storage system at the Archivo General de Indias (Seville) that was developed to conserve original documents and to provide optimal access by researchers. Highlights include image quality, storage medium, computer equipment, remote access, security problems, problems of intellectual property and document ownership,…

Digital Video Disc (DVD), now known as digital versatile disc, is a high-capacity storage medium. This article examines and evaluates DVD-Video, for storing digitized movies, and DVD-ROM for storing computer-readable text, graphics, audio, and video files. Describes and reviews selected DVD-Video and DVD-ROM titles and discusses potential hardware…

Discusses research conducted by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission on electronic record keeping (tools and techniques to manage electronic records produced in an office environment) and on the best practices for storing, describing, and providing access to all electronic records of long-term value. (Author/LRW)

Lists information storage and retrieval devices as a representation of improvements and changes throughout the past several millennia. Examines characteristics of past and present devices and identifies those characteristics that are important for carrying into the future. Discusses implications for information centers striving to provide…

Notes that child care directors need a flexible and structured filing and retrieval system for all their documents, but most importantly, their essential documents. Provides a case study, a "to do" list for reorganizing a child care program's filing system, an inventory and supply order list, and a list of essential document categories.…

Discusses a new vision of scientific publishing that is emerging in the Physics community; it is based on three fundamental elements: (1) a preprint server, (2) an electronic peer-reviewed, edited journal, and (3) an electronic archive of past published papers. Relates problems with libraries and the American Physical Society as electronic…

A new method was developed by the Image Permanence Institute for monitoring the effects of dynamic environmental conditions on organic materials in order to make it easier to manage the preservation of library and archives collections. This new approach to preservation management applies to the many types of scholarly resources for which research…

This booklet offers an introduction to keeping and documenting the history of community organizations. With their variety of purposes these organizations add texture and variety to a community's heritage. A knowledge of that heritage, provided by written documentation as well as oral tradition, proves valuable to members of the organization, to…