Reviews optical technology products currently on the market, including their storage capacities, formats and uses, and outlines the benefits of integrating optical storage devices with online databases. A description of the HAYSTACK system is offered as a model of optical technology for library applications. A suggested reading list is provided.…

Discusses factors that should be considered by buyers and producers of databases on CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory). The advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM are also discussed and compared with those of magnetic and print media, and market projections are provided. (CLB)

Addresses problems with automated bibliographic and full-text storage of scientific articles. The role of the scientific article is described, the structure is explained, current indexing and information retrieval techniques are criticized, new possibilities using a rhetoric syntax or argumentational syntax are explored, and the use of hypertext…

This review of the literature on full-text databases provides information on search strategy, performance measurement, and the benefits and limitations of full text compared to bibliographic database searching. Various use studies and uses of full-text databases are also listed. (21 references) (LAE)

American copyright law provides a means of stimulating intellectual development and protecting the ownership interests of the authors of copyrighted works. Over the years, U.S. copyright law has evolved in order to respond to societal and technological changes. Under the copyright statute certain uses of a copyrighted work are permitted under the…

Computer assisted learning (CAL) is an old technology which has generated much new interest. Computers can: reduce data to a directly comprehensible form; reduce administration; communicate worldwide and exchange, store, and retrieve data; and teach. The computer's limitation is in its dependence on the user's ability and perceptive nature.…

Included in this thorough overview of the probable future developments in videodisc technology and its role as an educational medium are (1) a review of current educational technology literature on videodiscs, which summarizes a U.S. Navy Delphi Study of videodisc technology use through 1986, discusses a National Institute of Education (NIE) study…

It is suggested that much thought should be given to choosing an appropriate computer language for an institutional research office, considering the sophistication of the staff, types of planned application, size and type of computer, and availability of central programming support in the institution. For offices that prepare straight reports and…

College records continue to accumulate, and either new record-keeping technology must be implemented or new personnel hired. New technology is expensive, but not when capabilities, demands, and personnel requirements are considered. However, more advanced record-keeping necessitates more technically sophisticated staff. (Author/MSE)

Sometimes it is not until a piece of history is lost that its significance is recognized. In the case of the Latino arts, much of this history remains in the file drawers, storage boxes, closets, and attics of those who created it. It is not too late to save this history. Quick action to identify what remains to be saved is vital. Relatively few…

Suggests that the continued effectiveness of microformat library tools depends upon quality standards in the design of micropublications, the facilities in which they are used, and the reading/printing equipment they are used on. The "ideal" features of microform tools are described and a 131-entry reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Discusses the problem of how to amass and organize large volumes of global change research data. Public policy issues relating to U.S. data and information management, technological challenges, proposed digital data generation and collection activities, and other data management activities are covered. (58 references) (KRN)

Prepared for the mental health professional or administrator who is involved in the planning, developing, or implementation of an automated information system in a mental health environment, this guide is limited to the electronic processing and storage of information for management and clinical functions. Management application areas include…

A review of the literature for the past 7 years reveals that the computer serves several key functions in the newsroom. Its more dominant role is in word processing, or internal copy processing regardless of the source of the copy. Computers are also useful in reviewing documents for content analysis, for survey research in public opinion polls…

Should private employers have a right of access to criminal history record information in order to make employment decisions about applicants and employees? This book addresses both legal and operational questions relating to the use of criminal justice data for private employment and decision-making purposes. The informative, non-prescriptive…