Evaluates the performance of different methods of data compression coding in several situations. Huffman's code, arithmetic coding, fixed codes, fast approximations to arithmetic coding, and splay coding are discussed in terms of their speed, memory requirements, and proximity to optimal performance. Recommendations for the best methods of…

Presents two new algorithms for performing arithmetic coding without employing multiplication and discusses their implementation requirements. The first algorithm, suitable for an alphabet of arbitrary size, reduces the worst case excess length to under 0.8%. The second algorithm, suitable only for alphabets of less than 12 symbols, allows even…

Presents an inference algorithm that produces a weighted finite automata (WFA), in particular, the grayness functions of graytone images. Image-data compression results based on the new inference algorithm produces a WFA with a relatively small number of edges. Image-data compression results alone and in combination with wavelets are discussed.…

Describes the collection of the Local History Department of the Central Library in Aberdeen (which includes 2,300 volumes of locally produced newspapers and 101,000 sheets of press cuttings) and the use of an optical disk system to help solve the problems of storage and access to these materials. (CLB)

Examines the use of automated storage and retrieval systems in industry and in libraries. Highlights include intellectual content; and a system being built for the University of Nevada Las Vegas that takes into account selection criteria, limited stack space, and storage of federal depository materials. (LRW)

Explains the Resource Description Framework (RDF), an infrastructure developed under the World Wide Web Consortium that enables the encoding, exchange, and reuse of structured metadata. It is an application of Extended Markup Language (XML), which is a subset of Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), and helps with expressing semantics.…

Originally written in the 1950s, this article addresses the question of subdividing and grouping entries under a given author as a main entry that paved the way for the American Library Association's Catalog Code Revision of 1967. It also includes referee responses by Elaine Svenonius, Allyson Carlyle, and Michael Carpenter. (LRW)

Examines the need for reevaluating archival principles and practices. Reviews opportunities created to enhance and enrich archival work and difficulties of archiving digital information. Illustrates the consequences in terms of selection and appraisal of records. Emphasizes the impact of digital information on ethical, legal and societal issues.…

Describes analog preservation (microfilm); digital preservation; Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and Preservation Resources, formerly Mid-Atlantic Preservation Services (MAPS) and projects in culture, sports, and history; and Preservation Resources imaging projects with the Library of Congress, Columbia University, and the Association of…

Defines library and information science as the creation, sorting, managing, and transferring of information. Introduces ODAPCOSRIU (origin, dissemination, acquisition, properties, classification, organization, storage, retrieval, interpretation and use) to help define it and explains I&OE (Inner and Outer Environment Model) as a graphic…

Describes the use of object technology for the development of information management systems. Notes the benefits of modelling complex real-world systems and the increases in productivity leading to flexible, reusable, and maintainable software. Discusses problems, support for multimedia data types, and storage capabilities. (AEF)

Discusses the Scottish Newspapers Microfilming Unit's interest in conversion of microfilm to digital technology. Concerns include cost, potential market, reliability of digital technology as a preservation medium, and the necessity to have both microfilm and digital formats for preservation. Solicits feedback and information from colleagues on the…

Discusses digital video management and archiving issues, including processing power; software for browsing, searching, and indexing; media servers to handle streams; storage solutions; metadata; large file sizes; organizational issues; rights management issues, including licensing; and cataloging options, including segmentation of individual…

The digital materials that faculty produce for their classrooms often are saved only to storage devices that might become obsolete in a few years. Without an institutional effort to provide access systems, storage, and services for their digital media, are campuses in danger of creating "Disposable Scholarship"? In this article, the author…

Business intelligence derived from data warehousing and data mining has become one of the most strategic management tools today, providing organizations with long-term competitive advantages. Business school curriculums and popular database textbooks cover data warehousing, but the examples and problem sets typically are small and unrealistic. The…