The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collects information in seven areas: foods, cosmetics, human drugs, animal drugs and feeds, medical devices, biologics, and electronic radiological products. By using procedures outlined in the Freedom of Information Act, the public may get specific information from such FDA files as inspection…

Presents a theoretical model of documentation which strives to include all potential users and their varying information needs, including nonreaders, through an analysis of the system of documentation. (JVP)

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)

Explores the importance of sport history as it reflects the social and cultural history of the United States. Discussion covers the various sport history materials that are available in microform, including the Spalding Collection, twentieth-century microfilm sources, and sports and social history (Sports Periodicals microfilm series). (EJS)

Explores the possibilities of using videodisc and optical disk technology as publishing media, highlighting the videodisc as an educational tool and visual supplement to online databases, digital database publishing on videodisc, optical disks for electronic document and image delivery systems, and costs associated with videodisc design and…

Examination of management information systems of three manufacturing firms highlights principal characteristics, document types and functions, main information flows, storage and retrieval systems, and common problems (corporate memory failure, records management, management information systems, general management). A literature review and…

Details distinction between digital and analog data, advantages of analog storage, and optical disc use to store analog data. Configuration and potential of three levels of laser disc systems are explained. Selection of display devices for use with laser disc systems and accessing audio data are addressed. (Continued in next issue.) (EJS)

This paper reviews 19th and 20th century English-language literature dealing with the user friendliness of library catalogs and cataloging. Sections cover literature on: (1) the need for catalogs and the possibility of substituting subject bibliographies for the subject catalog; (2) user needs and the dichotomy between designing catalogs based on…

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…

Classifies and briefly describes several types of optical storage media available today--read-only and write-once analog disks, read-only and write-once digital disks and erasable disks. The appropriateness of CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) for use in libraries of developing nations is discussed in terms of users' information needs and…

This special issue on CD-ROM comprises six articles covering the following topics: (1) an overview of the library market; (2) the producer's perspective; (3) implementation issues; (4) problems; (5) future needs and trends; and (6) a 23-item bibliography which includes an annotated section designed as a self-instructional module. (MES)

The market availability of optical storage technology will radically change the nature of information distribution, especially by reducing the high cost of mass data storage. The three general classes of optical storage are: (1) mass-produced read-only storage, (2) write-once storage, and (3) erasable optical storage. (CDD)

This article examines some of the many overlapping, and even conflicting, terms used in the field of human memory and aging, analyzes the research approaches used to study those terms, and discusses the implications for adult education that result from the research findings. (CT)

Describes new technology known as videodisc, including optical videodisc, capacitance electronic disc, and video high density disc. Entertainment, educational, training, and information storage and retrieval potentials of videodiscs are discussed. A list of agencies active in optical disc applications, useful Canadian videodisc contacts, and a…

Introduction to use of compact disk technology for storing digital data highlights history, background, and developments; technical features; standardization issues; current CD ROM applications; and the market for CD products. A production diagram, a sampling of CD manufacturers and disk replicators, and performance comparison of three storage…