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)

Reviews terminology inherent in discussing microcomputer storage technologies and addresses aspects of magnetic storage and present and near-future technologies, including floppy disks, Winchester and removable hard disks, optical digital disks, optical video disks, (audio) compact disks, perpendicular magnetic recording, and erasable optical…

This article presents a brief history of the videodisc and describes three major current manifestations of this storage medium--read-only, write-once, erasable. The current status of write-once technology, major corporations involved in the field, potential uses for various types of storage media, and software and market trends are highlighted.…

Analyzes structure of, and data in, the OCLC-MARC record in the form delivered via OCLC's Tape Subscription Service, and outlines important processing functions involved: "unreadable tapes," duplicate records and deduping, match processing, choice processing, locations processing, "automatic" and "input" stamps,…

Reviews requirements for a data archive system and describes storage media alternatives that are currently available. Topics discussed include data storage; data distribution; hierarchical storage architecture, including inline storage, online storage, nearline storage, and offline storage; magnetic disks; optical disks; conventional magnetic…

Examines the vocabulary and chemistry of magnetic- and optical-disk storage technologies as well as their applications to the analytical laboratory. This information will allow chemists to select the proper disk systems for their laboratories and to evaluate vendors' claims. (JN)

The use of the computer to assist in the administration of a teacher education program is described. Given the supply and demand problems in the teachers' job market, there is increasing pressure on teacher education programs to admit and retain only the better students, a task which involves many administrative duties. Performing them manually…

The Instructional Management System (IMS) developed by the Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) processes student and teacher-generated data through the use of an optical scanner that produces a magnetic tape (Scan Tape) for input to IMS. A series of computer routines, OPSN, preprocesses the Scan Tape and prepares the data for transmission to the…

Describes the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and the inclusion of abstracting and indexing industry databases in OPACs. Topics addressed include the implications of including abstracting and indexing tape and CD-ROM products in OPACs; the need for standards allowing library systems to communicate with dissimilar CD-ROM products; and computer,…

Alternative delivery modes that can be used to transmit Information Services reports of the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems are discussed. The objective is to permit transfer of data in a more easily manipulable form. Attention is focused on the medium into which reports can be feasibly put, as well as ways in which the…

This online pilot project demonstrates the feasibility of using the OCLC transaction tapes to create an online catalog, and the utility of the BRS database structure for loading this data and for online searching. It also shows the feasibility of a user-cordial interface for patrons and for staff and provides an opportunity to test many factors…

Engineering procedures used in the design and construction of a high-speed, multichannel magnetic tape duplicator are described. The completed duplicator, a common mandrel duplicator, in which a single drive motor turns a common capstan shaft at high speeds and moves both master and copy tapes simultaneously, performs satisfactorily yet suggests…

Computer routines for the translation of teacher-prepared mark sense forms to magnetic tape are described. The program, Receiving IMS (RIMS), is part of the Southwest Regional Laboratory's (SWRL) Instructional Management System (IMS). It accepts mark sense sheets from remotely located Xerox 660 scanner copiers and/or IMS update information from…

Discusses the preservation of electronically produced data focusing on the passive destruction of data due to lack of proper care in information storage. Three case studies are presented: two involve specific media--magnetic tape and CD-ROM (compact disk read-only-memory)--and one the transfer of data from one system to another. (EM)

The Southwest Regional Laboratory's Instructional Management System (IMS) central data processing system produces reports for dissemination to participating schools which provided the original source data to the system. Described in this document are the computer software routines (SIMS) that control the dissemination of information contained on…