Describes the latest technology in videotape cassette systems and other magnetic storage devices and their possible effects on optical data disks. Highlights include Honeywell's Very Large Data Store (VLDS); Exabyte's tape cartridge storage system; standards for tape drives; and Masstor System's videotape cartridge system. (LRW)

Describes the advantages of optical data disk-based storage systems including cost, performance, and space required. Conversion from tape-based to optical disk-based data management via a flexible, hardware-based optical archiving system is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Described are types of programs used for processing text (editors, print formatters, and word processors), followed by the comparison of four word-processing packages: Auto Scribe, Electric Pencil, Magic Want and Word Star. With the exception of Auto Scribe, all programs reviewed are CP/M versions. (KC)

The author describes the floppy disk with an analogy to the phonograph record, and discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and capabilities of hard-sectored and soft-sectored floppy disks. She concludes that, at present, the floppy disk will continue to be the primary choice of personal computer manufacturers and their customers. (KC)

Designed to help the correctional administrator meet external demands for information, this detailed analysis of the demand information problem identifies the sources of requests for and the nature of the information required from correctional institutions and discusses the kinds of analytic capabilities required to satisfy most demand information…

This report describes approaches to database translation (i.e., transferring data and data definitions from a source, either a database management system (DBMS) or a batch file, to a target DBMS), and recommends a method for representing the data structures of newly-proposed network and relational data models in a form suitable for database…

Review of office filing facility filing and retrieval mechanisms for unstructured and mixed media information focuses on free text methods. Also discussed are the state of the art in handling voice and image data, problems with searching text surrogates to implement free text content retrieval, and work of Project Minstrel. (Author/MBR)

Examines the need for medium to large academic libraries to have a policy for staff use of microcomputers. Key issues that should be covered in such a policy are outlined, including rules for acquisition and use, compatibility of hardware and software, and data administration. A model policy is provided. (CDD)

Reviews definitions and the scope, history, technological capabilities, and other significant issues of electronic publishing. Advantages and disadvantages of electronic publishing are compared to those of traditional publishing, and possible future impacts of electronic publishing on books and libraries are considered. (CDD)

This report introduces archivists to the potential of expert systems for improving archives administration and alerts them to ways in which they can expect intelligent technologies to impact federal record-keeping systems and scholarly research methods. The report introduces the topic by describing expert systems used in three Fortune 500…

This report is a revision and expansion of an earlier research report that described the design of the University of Guelph's documentation system for the organization of government publications within university libraries. The design of the Guelph document system represents a deliberate departure from cataloging and classification theory and…

Reviews technological developments centered around microcomputers that have led to the design of integrated workstations. Topics discussed include methods of information storage, information retrieval, telecommunications networks, word processing, data management, graphics, interactive video, sound, interfaces, artificial intelligence, hypermedia,…