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 digest begins with a brief description and review of the development of optical disks. Optical disk formats are then described by capability: Read Only Memory (ROM), Write Once, Read Many (WORM), Interactive (I), and Erasable (E); forms of information (audio, text or data, video or graphics, or a combination); and disk size (most often 12 or…

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)

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)

The technology behind digital multimedia is explained, and some of its specific uses and advantages are outlined. Multimedia is a catch-all term for various technologies. As the reputation for instructional effectiveness of multimedia has grown, the demand for a digital form of multimedia has increased, particularly as the limitations of analog…

The 1992 introduction of Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I) technology, the initial obstacles this new technology faces, and its known progress in its first year are explored, focusing on why new technologies are successful or are not adopted. Similar to a VCR, a CD-I player links directly into any television receiver, and each 5-inch disc is capable…

Description of new applications of digital optical disc storage technologies focuses on CD-ROM (Compact Disc--Read Only Memory); CD-I (Compact Disc--Interactive); and DV-I (Digital Video--Interactive). Features of each technology are described in the context of instructional design and educational technology, and the role of educational research…

Discusses library applications of several specific CD-ROM products, including library catalogs, book reviews, databases, encyclopedias, and interactive video programs. Such factors as cost effectiveness, ease of use, and user satisfaction are discussed, and a bibliography of books about CD-ROM is provided. (CLB)

Multimedia allows computing to move from text and data into the realm of graphics, sound, images, and full-motion video, thus allowing both students and teachers to use the power of computers in new ways. Key elements of multimedia are natural presentation of information and non-linear navigation through applications for access to information on…

Six of the nine papers in this collection focus on biological and medical science libraries; the remaining three are concerned with social science libraries. The papers on biological and medical science libraries appear first in this list: (1) "Standards for Medical and Health Care Libraries: Canada" (Jan Greenwood, Canada); (2) "Standards for…

This book offers an updated look at the technologies affecting education--including the World Wide Web, wireless local area networks (LANs), multimedia, and videoconferencing--and demonstrates how those technologies can best be used in an educational setting. For each type of technology, the book assesses advantages and disadvantages, educational…