Seven experts in system planning offer their views on how optical disk systems will affect library participation in online networks, and discuss opportunities presented by these new products. (CLB)

A series of six articles discusses the technology of optical data disks, current and possible future applications of this technology, their potential impact on information retrieval systems, and the potential problems as they apply to information science. (CLB)

An overview of the basics of computers is presented. Definitions and discussions of processing, programs, memory, DOS, anatomy and design, central processing unit (CPU), disk drives, floppy disks, and peripherals are included. This article was designed to help teachers to understand basic computer terminology. (CW)

Describes the newly installed optical disk storage system at the Naval Research Laboratory's Research Library and Technical Information Center. Planning and design of the system, the conversion of 140,000 reports to optical disk, the information retrieval process, and future plans are covered. (Contains nine references.) (KRN)

In order to determine the information services provided by state information agencies, a telephone survey was conducted with representatives from 50 state agencies, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The survey solicited data regarding: (1) the comprehensiveness of each agency's Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) microfiche…

Reflecting recent developments in computer-based information systems, this book consists of verbal and flow-charted descriptions of 35 exemplary federal systems. They are arranged by government agency, with each description providing background information, discussions of current operations, and future plans. (SH)

A generalizable procedure for the analysis and design of information systems is described in the context of allied and supporting data methods, design assessment, and project management considerations. This procedure follows from a view of information systems development as a complex series of goal-directed iterations, rather than a well-ordered…

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…

Describes software for displaying documents on computer graphics screens which provide the opportunity for interactive user interfaces. Based on a software system called Guide, this new approach relies on advances in hardware, such as the CD ROM, and can be used in the front end of a document retrieval system. (Author/LRW)

This article defines three separate categories of microcomputers--personal, desk-top, multi-user devices--and relates storage capabilities (expandability, floppy disks) to library applications. Highlghts include de facto standards, operating systems, database management systems, applications software, circulation control systems, dumb and…

InfoTrac is a laserdisc system that provides local computer-access to Information Access Company's periodical databases and offers libraries an extensive, self-contained reference system. The system, which employs an IBM PC microcomputer, a Hewlett-Packard Thinkjet printer, and a Pioneer videodisc player, provides advantages of online searching at…

Describes technological aspects of image information, compares it with alphanumeric databases, and discusses applications in the areas of business, government, libraries, and medicine and more. The components of an image processing system are explained, systems analysis and design are discussed, and predictions for the 1990s are offered. (153…

In order to determine how the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) is actually used by its members, in October 1980 a survey was distributed to the head catalogers of 95 academic libraries participating in OCLC in New York State. The 32 question survey was designed to: (1) collect information on the use of OCLC in academic libraries; (2) survey…

Teacher background information and student materials are provided in this guide for teaching a one-semester data processing course, which may be used with or without microcomputer equipment. The material is organized into eight units covering history and evolution of data processing, information processing today, input/output media and devices,…

This paper synthesizes some of the many ideas and issues pertaining to research on the development of writing skills, and on creating new technologies for writing. Such technologies include computer-based production tools, videodiscs, and other mass storage technologies with potential for knowledge storing and structuring. The discussion also…