Large central databases which support multicampus users require thorough planning and coordination, special communication with both users and input sources, and organized retrieval systems. In the developmental process of identifying variables that should be in the system and designating the source of that data, old habits of multiple official…

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…

Review of similarities and differences between magnetic-based and optical disk drives includes a discussion of the electronics necessary for their operation; describes benefits, possible applications, and future trends in development of laser-based drives; and lists manufacturers of laser optical disk drives. (MBR)

Survey of recent developments in microcomputer technology, mass-storage technology, and telecommunications technology shows how these new technologies are driving the development of a new generation of information systems. Major changes in the information industry precipitated by arrival of new information systems and telecommunication…

Reveals how chemical information in the form of descriptions of the chemical literature and chemical substances can be encoded as digital representations, then manipulated by computers to assist with collection, formatting, and distribution. Explains how computer-based search techniques are used to search databases that supplement traditional…

Discussion of the drawbacks of remote storage and microforms as solutions to library storage and retrieval problems covers the advantages and disadvantages of moveable compact shelving, i.e., electrically-powered shelving which eliminates all but one aisle in any set of ranges of shelving. This system is recommended as the answer to storage…

Educators are constantly looking for the magic bullet--that intervention which will miraculously result in higher achievement scores for students, as well as happier and more productive teachers. The pressure for improvement has caused education to become a "bandwagon" industry. Therefore, educational leaders adopt the latest fad in hopes that it…

Purpose: This paper aims to introduce an enterprise-wide Web 2.0 learning support platform--SNAP, developed at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Design/methodology/approach: Pointing to the evolution of the social web, the paper discusses the potential for the development of e-learning platforms that employ constructivist, connectivist,…

The use of the floppy disk as an alternative mode for delivering Information Services reports was evaluated for fiscal year 1985 by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS). A 5.25 inch, 8/9 sector, 40 track ASCII floppy disk used under PC-DOS on the IBM PC and IBM PC compatible hardware was tested. Tabular data but not…

Outlines basic videodisc and optical disk technology describing both optical and capacitance videodisc technology. Optical disk technology is defined as a mass digital image and data storage device and briefly compared with other information storage media including magnetic tape and microforms. The future of videodisc and optical disk is…

Discussion of CD (compact disc) recorders describes recording applications, including storing large graphic files, creating audio CDs, and storing material downloaded from the Internet; backing up files; lifespan; CD recording formats; continuous recording; recording software; recorder media; vulnerability of CDs; basic computer requirements; and…

A micromanufacturing lab-on-a-chip project with a nanotechnology component was introduced as an alternate laboratory in the required first-year engineering curriculum at The Ohio State University. Nanotechnology is introduced in related reading and laboratory tours as well as laboratory activities including a quarter-length design, build, and test…

School systems face many decisions in developing and maintaining learning environments that create success for all students. From district operations to the classroom, district leaders implement solutions and take action based on the information they have at hand. While there is no shortage of data, turning that data into useful information is as…

Describes three commercial, numeric databases that are available in microcomputer diskette format: Micro/Scan Disclosure; Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates World Economic Service; and Trinet's Survey of Commercial Buying Power. Advantages and disadvantages of the diskette format, search strategies, and a selected list of eight suppliers…

Describes the advantages of videodisc technology for storing vast amounts of information and discusses two applications--manual and catalog storage by the manufacturing industry and quick information access by medical and legal professionals. Future videodisc projects and a cost/performance comparison of videodiscs and other information storage…