Discusses softcopy information publishing on CD-ROM and describes how to use it successfully for technical documentation. Four main areas are addressed: (1) characteristics of technical documentation; (2) goals for the information product, including access methods; (3) steps involved in publishing technical documentation on CD-ROM, including…

Discusses issues to be considered when networking multimedia CD-ROMs. Topics addressed include CD-ROM networking software; license concerns; configurations for CD-ROM servers; data caching; SCSI devices; CD-ROM drives; workstation configurations, including minimum requirements for five popular CD-ROM titles; and system setup troubleshooting tips.…

Describes the hardware components of a CD-ROM workstation and offers guidelines for selection decisions. Components discussed include CD-ROM drives; keyboards; monitors, including color and monochrome; graphics; microcomputers, including memory requirements; disk storage, including hard disks and floppy disks; and printers. Turnkey systems are…

Reviews five CD-ROM catalogs: (1) Auto-Graphics Impact; (2) Brodart LePac; (3) GRC LaserGuide; (4) Library Corporation Intelligent Catalog; and (5) MARCIVE Pac. General guidelines for selecting a CD-ROM catalog are discussed, and vendor addresses and telephone numbers are listed. (MES)

Examines issues surrounding CD-ROM as an organizational information management tool: (1) the CD-ROM market; (2) pitfalls, including compatibility, effect on existing information systems, fear of obsolescence, protection of sensitive information, and lack of successful role models; and (3) factors that will fuel growth, including greater…

The first of two articles on in-house CD-ROM publishing deals with estimating costs and selecting hardware. Topics include premastering systems, delivery systems, staffing requirements, organizational requirements, publishing partnerships, estimating costs, retrieval software costs, and media costs. A cost summary for complete CD-ROM application…

Discusses factors to consider in identifying and accessing appropriate data sources for environmental chemical information and describes three training programs for end-users: (1) a course on retrieval of information on dangerous substances; (2) a seminar on German offline databases on chemicals; and (3) a workshop on the Information System for…

The second of two articles on setting up a CD-ROM work area in a library considers access to the discs, including security, distribution alternatives, and limiting access; user needs, including needs of novice and expert searchers, troubleshooting, and instruction; distance from printed reference tools; and other issues, including printing,…

This introductory guide to Census Bureau data that is currently available to microcomputer users on compact disc (CD-ROM) begins by explaining the types of information available, how CD-ROM works, and the hardware and software required to access the databases using a microcomputer. Descriptions of data currently available on CD-ROM include…

Presents a guide to assessing optical data disks based on descriptive evaluation (facts about the product), comparative evaluation (whether the content is available in another form) and use evaluation (who will use it, why, and how). A checklist of evaluation criteria is provided. (CLB)

Reports information gathered from eight vendors on the preparation of bibliographic data for CD-ROM public access catalogs: (1) sources of bibliographic records; (2) duplicate record handling; (3) holdings and location information; (4) maintaining the database; (5) authority control; (7) record corrections; (7) extraction of subsets; (8)…

Examines digital copyright issues for developers and users of CD-ROMs and online information systems. Offers seven copyright tips for multimedia developers and discusses the growth of copyright law, automated copyright licensing, and Internet royalty meters. A sidebar lists copyright print resources and names of corporate and legal contacts. (JMV)

This issue includes 17 articles that provide suggestions for using CD-ROMs. Topics discussed include enhancing CD-ROM performance; CD-ROM management; personal computers; CD-ROM workstations; remote access to CD-ROMs; electronic publishing; local area networks with CD-ROMs; CD-ROMs and multimedia; evaluating CD-ROM products; and glossaries of local…

The first of two articles on the acquisition and implementation of a large laserdisk service at Texas A&M University covers funding, donor recognition, selection and ordering of databases, planning and integrating the service with other information services, and future funding and plans. (5 references) (MES)

Discusses the capabilities of optical data disk systems to merge different types of media, and the need to incorporate these capabilities into new information products. Guidelines for creating a profitable optical data disk product are outlined. (CLB)