Discusses advances in CD-ROM technology. Topics addressed include high performance drives; decreases in prices; CD-ROM marketing, including upgrade kits; and how to keep up with current CD-ROM products and technology, including professional journals and electronic sources. (LRW)

Consumer demand and advances in technology are generating increases in the availability of brand name compact disc (CD) recorders priced for average consumers. A comparative analysis of CD-recorders is presented based on functions, capabilities, cost, and marketability. Related issues are also discussed, including computer software; technical…

Describes CD-Recordable (Compact Disk-Recordable) as an economical information storage medium. Business and government applications are discussed, including prototyping, archiving and back-up, sales, marketing, accounting, and customer support and service. Future possibilities are also considered. (LRW)

Discusses CD-i (Compact Disk-Interactive) and its possible uses for training. Topics addressed include examples of companies now using CD-i for training; advantages of CD-i and computer-based training; standards for CD-i; repurposing video and videodisks to CD-i; use in industrial settings and for federally mandated training; and marketing. (LRW)

Describes a project that experimented with using a NeXT computer as a cataloger's workstation. The use of Digital Librarian software to access the text of "Anglo-American Cataloging Rules" (AACR) on magneto-optical disk is discussed, and suggestions for future developments are made. (four references) (LRW)

Discusses the problems of compressing a large textual database for storage on CD-ROM. A text-compression algorithm is presented, new algorithms for compression of indices are described, and the ARTFL (American and French Research on the Treasury of the French Language) database is used as an example. (14 references) (LRW)

The retrieval interfaces of six CD-ROM databases are examined to demonstrate their differences and similarities. An alternative interface is suggested which offers users a choice between a menu driven system and the Common Command Language, a proposed standard. (12 references) (EAM)

The first of a two-part series on design of CD-ROM work areas in libraries discusses (1) space and location considerations; (2) ergonomics, including work surface, chairs, lighting, printers, other accessories, and security; and (3) other considerations, including staff assistance, reference tools, literature racks, and promotional materials. (MES)

Summarizes some of the applications of automation in the Miami-Dade (Florida) Public Library System. A detailed discussion of the system CD-ROM LAN (Local Area Network) covers hardware and software, cost factors, advantages of networking CD-ROMs, problems, and evaluation. It is concluded that the advantages of a CD-ROM LAN outweigh the…

Discussion of the widespread use of CD-ROM technology in African countries lists reasons why CD-ROM is well suited to developing countries, including advantages for database distributors, users, and funding agencies; describes a 1990 Africa-wide CD-ROM conference; and addresses goals for a proposed clearinghouse and remaining problems with CD-ROM…

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,…

Describes three applications of CD-ROM technology for publishing and distribution of U.S. Army forms and automation of the AD PAM 25-30, a microfiche index to the publications and forms. The production, field test, and evaluation phases of the project are discussed. Several lessons learned are summarized. (MES)

Reviews the use of CD-ROM technology in libraries. Topics addressed include personal computers and CD-ROM; possible futures of CD-ROM technology; the organization of CD-ROMs; workstations; help for users; remote access; delivery systems; and providing reference services to CD-ROM users. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)

Discusses electronic books and hypermedia as stages in the evolution of media used for the storage and transmission of information. Design features of a hyperbook being developed are described, and a future optical storage device called a BOOK (Binary Operating system for the Organization of Knowledge) is explained. (seven references) (LRW)

Explains shareware computer programs and describes a shareware microcomputer-based workstation that was set up in the University of Idaho library to make shareware CD-ROM discs available to users. A hypertext program that was used as the user interface is described, and software problems are discussed. (two references) (LRW)