Describes new CD-ROM products, services, software and data enhancements, and products with unique or interesting features. The discussion covers the extent of CD-ROM use in libraries; issues relating to networking, budgeting, evaluation, training and licensing; and factors to consider when selecting products or services. A directory of producers…

Reports the results of a survey of 38 librarians with expertise in training CD-ROM users that examined why and how patrons use CD-ROM, what end-users need to know about searching CD-ROM, and preferred teaching methods. The effects of training CD-ROM users on reference services and staff are also discussed. (CLB)

Predicts that online searching in the 1990s will be characterized by end users discovering faster and easier ways to access information. Predicted trends that are discussed include databases designed for end users, pricing innovations, increased use of CD-ROM products, improved computer graphics, and the expansion of database products into the…

Describes the scope and types of information available to potential buyers of CD-ROM products in product directories and review tools. Extensive listings of CD-ROM product directories, journals, newsletters, and product reviews are appended. (16 references) (CLB)

Describes problems encountered during early attempts at library automation in China, including the slow development of telecommunications systems and the high cost of international online retrieval. The successful use of imported databases on CD-ROM to overcome these problems is discussed, focusing on applications in library technical services and…

Summarizes the issues relating to the impact of CD-ROM technology that were discussed at a conference of producers and publishers of databases and other information services. Topics discussed include production issues, copyrights, case studies of product development and marketing, and the relationship between primary and secondary information…

Provides an introduction to the technical aspects of digital audiotape and compares it to other computer storage devices such as optical data disks and magnetic tape cartridges in terms of capacity, transfer rate, and cost. The current development of digital audiotape standards is also discussed. (five references) (CLB)

Surveys some of the traditional and nontraditional electronic sources of information that can be of use in research and teaching. The discussion includes information about: 1) cost; 2) ease of use; 3) the earliest bibliographic entries; and 4) the frequency of updates. (Author/LMO)

Provides an overview of articles addressing the reproduction of library materials. Topics covered in the review include the use of microforms in libraries; bibliographic control of microforms; copyrights issues; micropublishing; preservation microfilming; technical production of microforms; and newer technologies, including optical data disks and…

Discussion of the information age and optical publishing focuses on the newly formed Optical Publishing Association (OPA) and its goals and objectives. The role of CD-ROMs is examined, and the value of information both to the industry and to the consumer is discussed. (LRW)

Discusses the evolution of multimedia technology and gives examples of the use of multimedia for business training, desktop publishing, and possible home market use. Equipment needs are described; data compression techniques are explained; the use of CD-ROM is discussed; and interactive multimedia possibilities are considered. (LRW)

Provides an overview of multicultural research projects conducted by high school students in Little Silver, New Jersey. Emphasizes the use of CD-ROM technology and specific sources, and the enthusiasm students felt as a result of using this technology. A sidebar outlines the worksheet used by students during their research. (JKP)

Describes steps involved in developing and producing multimedia CD-ROMs. Topics discussed include planning; incorporating a variety of types of data; selecting data formats; selecting software; problems; replication issues; data preparation; and CD-ROM as an alternative to paper copies of conference proceedings. (LRW)

This final installment of a four-part series on the National Library Service (NLS) examines recently implemented and future projects, with a focus on alternative formats for patrons with disabilities. Discusses LOCIS, the Library of Congress online public access catalog; MARVEL, the Library of Congress gopher; the NLS Web site; and computer disk…

Reviews six databases and CD-ROMs: Broadcast News, Bookshelf '95, All Music Guide (CompuServe), CD-ROM of CD-ROMs, Grolier Encyclopedia (CompuServe), and Magazine Database. (LRW)