Outlines the stages in the decision-making process for libraries acquiring optical data disk systems, including the establishment of a project manager or task force, feasibility studies, creating a planning document, hardware and software evaluation, devising processes and policies, and analyzing contracts. (CLB)

Describes and evaluates a project which examined the feasibility of converting the University of Illinois' ILLINET Online Union Catalog to optical format, allowing users across the state to search the database using microcomputers. The evaluation focused on the impact on interlibrary loans and on the reactions of librarians and users. (CLB)

A project at the University of Witwatersrand examined the implications of introducing a centrally controlled system of computer-based learning in which 13 university departments utilized PLATO to supplement teaching programs and encourage computer literacy. Department project descriptions and project evaluations (which reported positive student…