_Current_Cites_ Volume 1, no. 5 December 1990 Library Technology Watch Program University of California, Berkeley Edited by David F.W. Robison ISSN: 1060-2356 Contributors: Teri Rinne, Vivienne Roumani, Lisa Rowlison, Mark Takaro, Roy Tennant Hyper- and Multimedia Loveria, Greg and Don Kinstler "Multimedia: DVI Arrives." BYTE IBM Special Edition 15(11) (Fall 1990):105-108. This article discusses Digital Video-Interactive (DVI) technology, one of the keys to the development of multimedia systems. Combining sources such as audio CD-ROM and video disk images and using data compression technologies, DVI is helping multimedia to become less unwieldy in terms of hardware, and more versatile in its abilities to produce both still and motion video images. Some interesting applications are also mentioned. Ray, Kenneth and James R. Driscoll "New Directions for Microcomputer-based Hypertext Systems." Database 13(4) (August 1990):60-64. This article discusses hypertext within the context of evolving ideas about information retrieval systems. Combining the potential of hypertext with advanced information retrieval concepts like natural language searching, the article describes using the SPIRIT software program (developed by computational linguistic researchers) to explore a database made up of the NASA Space Shuttle reference manual. The co-evolution of searching techniques and new information retrieval pathways like hypertext systems has potential to greatly change the way that we approach information. Optical Disc Technologies Butcher, Karyle S. "CD-ROM Report: The rewards and trials of networking." Database 13(4) (August 1990):103-105. This article provides a detailed description of a CD-ROM network at Oregon State University,featuring Meridian Data's CD Net product. Not only are some of the technical aspects discussed, but the issue of site licensing is also considered. Harvey, David A. "Optical Storage Primer." BYTE IBM Special Edition 15(11) (Fall 1990):121-230. As the title suggests, this article provides a basic overview of optical storage technology. The author concludes thatwhile it is impossible to predict whether the optical disk will replacemagnetic media, it is definitely finding its way into a number of computers. As examples, he cites Tandy and Headstart systems with CD-ROM drives as standard equipment and IBM's CD-ROM package for its PS/2 line. Rogers, Michael. "CD-ROM standardization proposed by government." Library Journal 115(19) (November 1, 1990):67-68. This article discusses CD-Rx a standard to facilitate interoperability of CD-ROm databases among all operating systems, CD-ROM drives, access/retrieval programs, and user interfaces, proposed by the Information Handling Committee of the U.S. Intelligence Committee. "State of the Art: Magnetic vs. Optical." BYTE 15(2) (November 1990):272-338. BYTE devotes an entire section of this issue to what it deems one of the hottest debates in the computer industry: will optical media replace magnetic media? Among the ten articles comprising this section is David Harvey's "State of the Media," which looks at the advantages and disadvantages of each technology and explores the possibilities of hybrid technologies combining the good points of each. Other articles discuss the newest optical technologies on the horizon, including holographic data storage and phase change, which merges the capacity of magneto-optical storage with a performance better than that of traditional optical storage. Networks and Networking Cisler, Steve "An Essay on the Openness of the Networks, Electronic Free Speech, and the Security of Computers." Online 14(6)(November 1990):101-104. One of the hot topics of networking is security and privacy, as well as freedom of information. Cisler, of the Apple Computer Library, brings up some of these issues. In addition, he describes some of the pioneering work in these areas by Clifford Stoll (author of "The Cuckoos Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage"), the developer of LOTUS 1-2- 3 (Mitch Kapor), and others. Of note is the online discussion at the WELL- Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link called the Electronic Frontier Foundation (eff@well.sf.ca.us). Library Perspectives on the NREN : the National Research and Education Network / edited by Carol A. Parkhurst. Chicago : Library and Information Technology Association, 1990. Although the legislation to establish the NREN did not pass before Congress adjourned, it should be back next session. In the meantime, libraries and librarians can become a more integral part of the planning process. This LITA monograph provides the background information. Lynch, Clifford A. and Cecilia M. Preston "Internet Access to Information Resources." Annual Review of Information Science and Technology 25 (1990):263-312. This article provides a lengthy description of the history of networked resources as well as the situation today. Also included are a discussion of standards and protocols and a compleat bibliography. Raeder, Aggi W. and Karen L. Andrews "Searching Library Catalogs on the Internet: a survey." Database Searcher 6(7)(September 1990): 16-31. This article describes the advantages and occasional frustrations of logging on to remote library catalogs. There are also ample instructions for doing so and a survey of accessible catalogs. Expert Systems Page, Mary. "Librarian Ex Machina 4.0." LITA Newsletter, 11(42) (Fall 1990):8-10. For those of us who missed it, this report summarizes the papers delivered at the 1990 ALA LITA session titled: Librarian Ex Machina 4.0: Planning for Expert Systems. Penrose, Roger. The Emperor's New Mind. Oxford University Press, 1989. Within this book, two chapters are of particular interest. Chapter 1: "Can a Computer have a Mind?" discusses what it would mean to say that computers can think. Incorporated with this is a necessary discussion of the major philosophical issues behind the problem of computer 'intelligence.' Also, chapter 9: "Real Brains and Model Brains" discusses the functional nature of real brains and suggests a logical similarity to model (computer) brains. Some very interesting connections between the two are given especially with respect to the idea of "quantum computers." Read and be amazed. Stern, David. "Artificial Intelligence Databases: A Survey and Comparison." Database 13(4) (August 1990):19-24. Mr. Stern roots out the most useful online databases for searching for AI material. Among these are: INSPEC, SUPERTECH, COMPUSCIENCE, COMPENDEX. He discusses availability of these databases (some are available via DIALOG) as well as giving a relatively detailed description of each database, including some hints on searching. Information Transfer Garcia, Linda. "Information Exchange: The Impact of Scholarly Communication."EDUCOM Review 25(3) (Fall 1990):28-32. This article raises issues concerning intellectual property rights and reviews a study completed by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) called "Intellectual Property Rights in an Age of Electronics and Information." It suggests that the University environment in particular should seriously consider these issues since the University is the producer, user, and distributor of information. We are left with the question of "what role do we want the University to play in an information age?" Hart, Michael S. "Project Gutenberg: Access to Electronic Texts." Database 13(6) (December 1990):6-9. Through a particular project, Gutenberg, designed to encourage the creation and distribution of electronic texts, the author discusses the issues of access to electronic texts, benefits, methods, and trends. Sten, Mark. "Assessing Electronic Image Technology." Computers in Libraries 10(9) (October 1990):37-39. Sten discusses the capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of electronic imaging; he raises questions regarding the viability of the paperless society, and electronic imaging in general: are the benefits real or imaginary? Welsch, Erwin K. "Microcomputers and Workstations in Libraries: Trends and Opportunities." Computers in Libraries 10(9) (October 1990):9-14. Welsch attempts to define "workstation", he gives us a little history and functions of the workstation, and asks humanists in various institutions to contribute to the definition. In so doing he touches on trends and implications of information access and delivery. General Science and Technology Libraries 11(1)(Fall 1990). Issue devoted to electronic information systems in sci-tech Libraries, but the issues are relevant for all libraries. Includes such chapters as: "Electronic Delivery of Information via a Campus-Wide Network," "Using the Internet to Access CARL and other Electronic Information Systems," and "Re-Inventing the Library"(!) Desmarais, Norman. "Computers 1, Intelligence 0: Is Automation Making Us Lazy and Stupid?" Computers in Libraries 10(8) (Sept. 1990):43-45. I don't know, but I'm too lazy and stupid to care. News Bits Stephens, Mary "ANS Inc. Announcement." Protocol Newsletter 26 (November 1990):[p.3]. The formation of Advanced Network and Services was announced by IBM and MCI in September. The two giants are joining forces with others to create an advanced network system that is intended to complement the NREN. Meckler introduced two new periodicals on networks and networking: Research & Education Networking, a monthly newsletter, and Research Networking and Information Systems, a journal. Articles in the first issue of the newsletter (October 1990) include an interview with Paul Evan Peters, Director of the Coalition for Networked Information. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Cites 1(5)(1990) ISSN: 1060-2356 Copyright (C) 1992 by the Library, University of California, Berkeley. All rights reserved. Copying is permitted for noncommercial use by computerized bulletin board/conference systems, individual scholars, and libraries. Libraries are authorized to add the journal to their collections at no cost. This message must appear on copied material. All commercial use requires permission from the editor, who may be reached in the following ways: drobison@library.berkeley.edu // drobison@ucblibra // (510)642-7600 -------------------------------------------------------------------