Provides a technological overview of CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), an optically-based medium for data storage offering large storage capacity, computer-based delivery system, read-only medium, and economic mass production. CD-ROM database attributes appropriate for information delivery are also reviewed, including large database size,…

Examines the present and future capabilities of microcomputers for personal use, and discusses the requirements for such individualized systems, including software and hardware considerations. A glossary is provided, and 31 references are cited. (FM)

Discusses the feasibility of individual television film libraries combining film holdings onto optical disks and developing networks that would allow online searching of, access to, and transmission of video images. It is concluded that recent advances in technology would support fast and cost effective image retrieval with no loss in video…

Describes compact disk technology in general and possible library applications, including cataloging, online bibliographic searching, and full text searching, and compares the purchase of optical disk packages to traditional online services. Guidelines are provided for evaluating optical disks which focus on the size of the database, updating…