This review of current applications and future possibilities of optical disk technology in law libraries covers the basics of what optical disks are and their advantages and disadvantages in terms of storage capacity, durability, speed, cost, and information retrieval. A sampling of commercial products is provided. (Author/EM)

Traces history of private library of German scholar, Leopold von Ranke, which was purchased by Syracuse University in 1888. Efforts of librarian Charles W. Bennett in 1870s and Professor James Powell beginning in late 1960s, and restoration and cataloging of collection are highlighted. Items from the collection are noted. (EJS)

Discusses the efforts of the Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions (CIHM) to preserve and provide access to early Canadiana. Provides background on the development, mission, methodology, and projects of the Institute. (JKP)

Reviews the use of microfilm as an acquisitions and preservation tool in academic libraries, and discusses how this use has fallen short of predictions that microfilm would revolutionize research methodology and scholarly productivity. This history is used to provide cautionary guidance in approaching the era of electronic documentation. (35…

Presents brief survey of commercial microform collections that provide effective and economic means of collecting and distributing materials in women's studies and offers suggestions for future publications. Development of "original microform collections," problems for researchers, and selected checklist of commercially published microform…

Continuing disintegration of portions of research collections printed on unstable paper threatens the national capacity for productive scholarship. Effective solutions will require a heightened awareness of the fragility of the modern book and a coalition of scholars, university administrators, and librarians committed to cooperative action on a…

Describes the process by which a rare photograph collection which reflects the history of Alaska was preserved using photomicrofiche techniques. The technical operations involved, experiences with vendors, and the resulting reference guide to the collection are described. (Author/CLB)

Describes the development and current status of the Explorers Club, and the collections and services of the club library. The collections include the arctic library of Admiral Robert Peary, rare books and records, paintings, and memorabilia. The discussion covers research services offered by the library and preservation of the collections. (CLB)

Discusses the events that led to the National Archives policy of preserving magnetic tapes of data generated by federal agencies and accumulating these databases as research tools. The current methods of preservation and access are described, and technical problems and archival concerns about standards are identified. (12 notes with references)…

Explores the trends and current status of library use of microforms for the preservation and dissemination of research materials. A sampling of topics available on microform is provided, and a directory of the publishers mentioned is included. (CLB)

Reviews the development of the Western History Department of the Denver Public Library and describes the current collection, which includes military records, manuscripts and personal papers, newspapers, photographs, and paintings. The discussion covers library policies that balance public access and preservation, financial support for the…

Presents a discussion of laser disk systems developed by different institutions to store and distribute information and visual images. Includes information on storage, preservation, and use in the classroom or for research. Evaluates image quality, storage capacity, and transmissibility. Urges use of the videodisk to organize information and…